Koondrook All Abilities Playground ready for Spring!
Published on 16 September 2021
Gannawarra Shire families and visitors will be able to explore a new play space in the region as the Koondrook All Abilities playground becomes accessible for public use from today, 16 September 2021; providing play equipment and activities for children of all abilities to enjoy.
“The playground becoming accessible to community and visitors has arrived at the perfect time, with the days now warmer, and many looking to enjoy more time outside after the recent easing of COVID-19 restrictions for regional Victorians,” said Chief Executive Officer Tom O’Reilly.
The Koondrook All Abilities Playground was developed with the local community from start to finish, with the local Hall Committee initially gifting the former Koondrook Memorial Hall site for the playground, and many Koondrook-based community organisations, school children, and other residents each having their involvement in the final design’s features.
The features of the Koondrook playground include equipment such as accessible liberty swing, flying fox with an accessible harness, net climber, timber swings featuring accessible harness seating, an accessible carousel, in-ground trampolines, a playground spinner, crazy mirror, and other interactive and musical instrument elements.
Tactile features, including water and sand play areas, in addition to shaded seating, fencing, a BBQ shelter, and picnic tables, have also been included in the playground, making the space functional for the whole family and visitors.
“The All Abilities playground equipment and activities aim to make a space that is accessible and inclusive to all, reflecting a diversity of ability and encouraging greater socialisation and physical activity for the local community and region,” Mr. O’Reilly said.
The $592,000 Koondrook All Abilities Playground was supported by a $390,000 grant from the State Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund, Koondrook Hall Committee ($25,000), Koondrook Development Committee ($22,500 including funding from the Bus Stop Recycle shop) and Gannawarra Shire Council.
"Council looks forward to the positive impact the new playground will have in providing a place for children of all abilities to feel involved together in simply having fun," said Mr. O’Reilly.
The Koondrook All Abilities Playground is the first of three being developed within the Gannawarra Shire, with the Cohuna and Kerang all-abilities playgrounds under development. An official opening for the Koondrook All Abilities playground is planned to occur in the coming months once COVID-19 restrictions ease.