Thirty years ago, Bridie Murphy spearheaded a project that brought together dozens of community volunteers to build a wonderful playground in Thomas Street, Hampton.
Last week, Bayside Mayor Cr Laurie Evans OAM joined Bridie to open a time capsule that was buried at the time the original playground was constructed.
Work is currently underway to build a new all ages, all abilities playground on the site. Plans for the new playground have been shaped by local school and kindergarten children; a Community Reference Group; disability groups; playground users; and neighbours to the park.
The inclusive playground will be complete with wheelchair trampolines, flying foxes, slides, a range of swings, a parkour course and a water play area.
The centrepiece of the playground is a timber castle, which carries forward the theme of the original wooden fort/castle. Turrets from the original and much-loved fort have been re-purposed in the new design and in response to community feedback, wood and natural materials are featured throughout. There will be extensive planting for shade, sensory stimulation and unstructured play.
The playground and a fully accessible, Changing Places toilet facility will be completed in mid 2021.
The contents of the time capsule will be displayed at one of Bayside's libraries soon.
