New home for Merrindale pop-up park furniture
Ainslie Parklands Primary School students have been enjoying some colourful new additions to their grounds after Council recently donated furniture from the pop-up park at Merrindale Shopping Centre to the school.
The Merrindale pop-up park, installed in late 2021 as part of the Victorian Government’s COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Program, provided an outdoor space for the community to gather when indoor gatherings were restricted.
After seeing her children enjoy the furniture at Merrindale pop-up park, Ainslie Parklands Primary School parent Jane Bennetts approached Council with the idea to repurpose the equipment by donating it to the school.
“We value sustainability, creativity and low waste, so this project has been wonderful for the school. All the nooks make an exciting place for play and work,” Jane said.
Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Rob Steane, said relocating the furniture has been a sustainable way to extend its life.
“We are very pleased to see children enjoying the Merrindale pop-up park furniture in its new home at Ainslie Parklands Primary School,” Cr Steane said.
“Relocating the furniture to a local school has been a sustainable way to ensure the furniture can continue to be enjoyed by members of the community.”
Principal, Jane Capon, said the furniture has been a welcome addition to the school.
“The furniture has been a wonderful addition to our ‘Meadow’ area of our school, providing students with another area for learning and for play. We also utilise the space as an area the class can go to ‘munch and crunch’ on their snack or lunch,” Jane said.
“The students look for opportunities to use and play on the furniture. It also has lots of seating for outdoor learning. It is a calm, quiet and beautiful place to learn.”
The furniture features modular-designed seating and play equipment, with students of all ages experiencing the new space as a place for exploring, outdoor learning and relaxation.
The students are now looking forward to painting the furniture in colours inspired by the gum trees on the school grounds, giving the furniture longevity and a connection to its new home.
