Bass Coast Shire Council wants the community’s inspiring ideas, as it embarks on an exciting project to upgrade three playgrounds at Inverloch, Cape Woolamai and Cowes, and install a new playground in San Remo.
The community – both young and young at heart – can submit their ideas, through a survey, equipment vote or even unique drawings.
Playspaces earmarked for replacement include Outrigger Reserve on Outrigger Drive, Inverloch; Woolamai Park on Sunnyside Drive, Cape Woolamai; and McKenzie Views Park on Katherine Circuit, Cowes. In addition, a new playground will be created at the Anderson Street Park in San Remo.
Each site is classified as a local playspace, meaning it services the immediate area, with the target demographic families who can make a short walk from home and visit for up to an hour.
Bass Coast Mayor Michael Whelan said playgrounds not only offered fun and joy but could bring vast benefits to physical and emotional wellbeing.
“These play areas are enjoyed by people of all ages in our community, so we are throwing out an invitation to everyone to tell us how they would like their local play spaces to be designed and the features they would like included,” Cr Whelan said.
“Nobody knows playgrounds better than the families that use them – not to mention that children have fantastic imaginations and creative minds.
“We want to know from you: what makes a great playspace? In particular, we want to hear about concepts and designs that showcase an element or a theme that could make the playspace unique to your town and community.”
Council recently upgraded Guide Park at Wonthaggi using ideas from the local community. The award-winning space features a mine-themed slide tower, sand pit with boulders to represent the coastline, flying foxes and trampolines, along with plenty of green areas and mature trees.
Input from the nearby Rose Lodge Aged Care facility led to gentle exercise and rehabilitation equipment being included in the park.
As well as play equipment, the four new spaces will feature equipment for all abilities and incorporate fitness elements, with Council keen to hear ideas about exercise equipment and accessibility options such as matting and wheelchair accessible swings.
Once feedback has been collated, draft designs will be created and Council will seek further community feedback later in the year before designs are finalised. It is anticipated that the new playspaces will be installed before the end of June next year.
Surveys can be completed online and drawings uploaded by visiting engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/playspace. Drawings can also be dropped off to any of Council’s Customer Service Centre.
Consultation is open until Friday, 28 July 2023.
