Glenelg's Wigley Reserve will feature a new adventure and sensory playspace and fitness hub, thanks to a $1 million commitment by the City of Holdfast Bay.
The new playspace, which will replace the existing modular equipment in the north-western corner of Wigley Reserve, will be created with predominantly natural materials including tree stumps, logs and ropes.
City of Holdfast Bay Elected Members have endorsed the design and construction plan with $1 million allocated to the project over two financial years.
The playspace will include climbing tunnels, in-ground trampolines, swings, slides, a log climbing structure, stepping boulders and a sensory nature-trail.
In addition to the new all-ages playspace, there'll also be a drinking fountain, bike racks, custom-built shade structure, seating, rubber softfall and 10 new stations in the fitness hub. Landscaping and partial fencing will complete the project.
Accessibility will also be a focus, with the new space offering increased opportunity to all ages, interests and abilities.
Created by JPE Design Studio, the large-scale playspace and fitness hub plan came about from community feedback collected during two stages of consultation in 2018 and early 2019. This was presented to council in April this year.
City of Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson congratulated council's decision and said the improved community space would be welcomed by both local residents and visitors to Glenelg.
"Glenelg is already a major tourism destination, attracting more than 1.4 million visitors each year," Mayor Wilson said.
"This large-scale playspace and fitness hub will offer something more to locals and visitors as it's been designed to suit all ages, abilities and interests.
"It's also close to public transport and walking and cycling paths, making it a great community asset, which by this time next year, will be even better."
Construction is expected to start in April 2020 and will take approximately six months to complete during which the current playground and fitness space will be closed to the public.
The City of Holdfast Bay identified the redevelopment of Wigley Reserve as a priority as part of its Playspace Action Plan. The current playground equipment was installed 16 years ago and the fitness equipment is more than 10 years old.
