A new inclusive playspace in Rippleside for people of all abilities is one step closer with the Greater Geelong Council endorsing the concept plans last night, following community consultation.
Council has partnered with Variety - The Children's Charity to deliver the world-class Rippleside Inclusive Playspace, that will attract both local families and those from across Victoria.
The flagship playground will provide fun and challenging experiences for all children through a fenced play area incorporating multi-sensory and natural play elements and a tree top walk with views across the bay.
A grassed area, shaded picnic areas, paths that are suitable for prams, wheelchairs and mobility devices, and fully accessible toilet facilities are also included in the design.
The detailed design phase will now start, with input from key stakeholders. The City will be engaging further with the community on the detailed plans for the playground later in the year.
Significant community feedback received last year by the City about the draft concept plans was positive and supportive, with many suggestions around design and play elements incorporated into the plans.
Key stakeholder groups such as the Barwon Child Youth and Family, and Hamlyn Views School participated in the playspace's planning, suggesting the importance of fencing, accessible paths and offerings for people with sensory processing conditions.
Visitors to Rippleside Park, who don't plan on entering the playspace, will benefit from extra trees and park furniture proposed for just outside of the playground's new fence line.
The design of the playspace allows for a staged approach to construction, with works expected to begin in 12-18 months.Council has allocated $400,000 from the 2020-21 Budget to continue with the detailed design, with the Victorian Government providing $800,000 through the Sport and Recreation Community Infrastructure Program toward delivering the project.Variety - The Children's Charity is leading a community fundraising campaign for the Rippleside Inclusive Playspace.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said this accessible playspace will be a world-class facility for all abilities and ages.
Council is dedicated to creating a more welcoming and accessible Geelong region, through clever and creative design.
The new Rippleside Inclusive Playspace will be an exciting place for all kids to challenge themselves, learn and make new friends.
It's terrific to watch this new family destination become a reality, as a result of a strong partnership and collaboration with Variety - the Children's Charity since 2019.
Councillor Anthony Aitken, Chair of the Access and Advisory Committee said the design of the Rippleside Inclusive Playspace will break down barriers.
At the moment, children living with disabilities in Greater Geelong have limited playground options that accommodate their needs.
This world-class playground will offer a safe space for all families to come together and enjoy.
Kim Becherand, Head of Inclusive Play at Variety - the Children's Charity said 'Variety Livvi's Place' at Rippleside is an exciting part of their mission to make play available to all kids within their community.
Variety is proud to be working with the kids, families and community members of Geelong to create an incredible playspace for all who visit Rippleside now and into the future.
We're very excited to be partnering with the forward-thinking City of Greater Geelong, who are changing the way our playspaces are built so we can all play together, feel valued and know that we belong.
