Koondrook All Abilities Play Space planning underway

Published on 29 July 2020

Planning and community driven consultation for the Koondrook All Abilities Play Space – the first play space of its kind to be built in the Gannawarra - is well underway.

The play space will be constructed on the site of the former Koondrook Memorial Hall, this $520,000 project will be completed in the 2020/2021 financial year thanks to $390,000 from the State Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund.

“Council consulted with Koondrook-based community organisations, schoolchildren and other residents regarding what elements this revolutionary space should feature,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“This feedback has guided the development of the latest layout plan, which is currently being considered by those community organisations, schoolchildren and residents who took part in the initial consultation process.

“It’s important to note that on completion of the Koondrook All Abilities Play Space the old playgrounds in Apex Park will be removed.”

The proposed design features concepts that are prominent in many popular all-abilities play spaces, including a flying fox with an accessible harness, timber swings featuring accessible harness seating, an accessible carousel and in-ground trampolines.

Tactile features, including water and sand play areas, as well as shaded seating are included in the design.

“The design will ensure not just physical access to the site, but genuine access to a wide range of interactive experiences that reflect the diversity of ability,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“The playspaces incorporated in the design will become a theatre for the imagination of the children to create games, interact with each other and have experiences of a culturally relevant and environmentally sustainable nature.”

The first step in the consideration of the layout design occurred on 28 July, with the project architect and Council representatives meeting with the Koondrook Development Committee.

“This is a fantastic project that connects well with the Murray River precinct and town centre,” Koondrook Development Committee president, Bryan Goble said.

“There has been great community involvement in supporting this worthwhile cause, thanks to donations from Kerang’s Bus Stop Recycle Shop and the community, and now this project has received support from Council and the State Government.

“We are looking forward to working with Gannawarra Shire Council in developing this project.”

Council will provide updates on this project as it progresses.

ABOVE: The Koondrook Development Committee, Council representatives and the Koondrook All Abilities Play Space project architect met on 28 July to discuss the proposed design.