The City of Greater Geelong has opened a brand new playground at Aldershot Reserve in St Albans Park ahead of the upcoming summer holidays.
Constructed as part of the Aldershot Reserve Masterplan upgrades, the new district playground features a large tower, double flying fox, a variety of swings, a ninja course, nature play, bike parking hoops, bench seating, connecting paths, and shade trees. Repurposed musical equipment from Little Malop Street has also been added.
The project was fully funded by the City and is part of ongoing improvements to the reserve, including the fenced dog park, which was completed in 2024, and a tree planting day held earlier this year.
The park's garden beds have been constructed using nine tonnes of compost made at the City's Anakie garden organics processing facility, which was collected from kerbside green bins, supporting a circular economy and reducing the overall project cost.
Solar pedestrian lighting will soon be installed, with longer-term plans including the Active Recreation project, which will create a pump track, fitness station and new public toilet.
The old playground equipment will be given a second life through Rotary's Overseas Recycled Playgrounds (RORP) program.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM:
The new playground is a long way ahead of what used to be at Aldershot Reserve, with something for all ages and abilities.With the summer holidays just around the corner, this is perfect timing for St Albans Park and the surrounding suburbs.
Cheetham Ward Councillor Melissa Cadwell:
I've been a strong advocate for Aldershot Reserve during my time on Council.The transformation that we've seen at the reserve is nothing short of remarkable, and I encourage the local community to get down there and check it out.
I'm excited for what's next — including the toilet, enhanced lighting and the new facilities to promote active recreation.
