Local families invited to shape new playgrounds

THE Surf Coast Shire is seeking the community’s input on three ageing playgrounds that are due for a replacement.

Through next winter, the shire will replace the Bob Pettitt Reserve playground in Jan Juc, the Moriac all access playground at Newling Reserve and the Ocean Acres playground in Torquay to ensure they remain safe and accessible to local families.

Councillor Liz Pattison said the replacement playgrounds will offer the same play features and fun, with some minor changes based on the community’s feedback.

“We might swap a rock-climbing wall with a rope net, a standard swing for a basket swing, or a tic tac toe panel with a clock – that’s where community input comes in,” she said.

“We’ll retain everything the community tells us they love about the playgrounds – whether that’s the look and feel or the ages it caters for.”

The Moriac playground will remain an accessible playground, while the playgrounds at Bob Pettitt Reserve and Torquay’s Ocean Acres will be designed to meet new access requirements.

Community members interested in contributing their thoughts to the upgrade of these playgrounds are encouraged to complete a short survey before 5pm on Monday, January 13.

The feedback gathered by the shire during three in-person engagement sessions, held earlier this month at Swell Café on December 6, Bob Pettitt Reserve playground on December 13 and the Moriac General Store on December 13, will also inform their design.

“Playgrounds are a special spot for so many families. I’ve spent countless hours watching my kids slide, balance, jump and climb – especially at our local Bob Pettitt,” Cr Pattison said.

“I encourage people who utilise these three playgrounds to have their say. The feedback will help us design and then replace the playgrounds.

“Once the designs are finalised, we’ll seek community input again – likely in March/April 2025 – to select a colour scheme for each of the playgrounds.

“It will be exciting to see the results.”

For more information, or to complete the survey, head to yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/playground-renewals