Council & Business
28 August, 2023
Strategy to explore more play spaces, and a splash park
Kids in the region could soon get up to more fun as the Central Goldfields Shire Council (CGSC) begins work on crafting a new play spaces blueprint which includes tentative plans for a splash park in the area. CGSC is calling on residents to share...
Kids in the region could soon get up to more fun as the Central Goldfields Shire Council (CGSC) begins work on crafting a new play spaces blueprint which includes tentative plans for a splash park in the area.
CGSC is calling on residents to share their thoughts regarding play areas in the shire through an online survey — with their input required for the development of council’s Places for Play Strategy which will help inform the planning, development and management of recreational spaces across the region over the next 10 years.
The survey seeks to understand which play locations are frequently used, what equipment is missing and what the community requires to ensure those areas remain fun, social, and active hubs.
Additionally, the strategy also covers a feasibility study that is being conducted to provide recommendations on the location, cost and maintenance requirements of a splash park or water play area in the shire.
Encouraging families to complete the council’s survey, Mayor Grace La Vella said new play areas would make the shire more attractive for residents and visitors alike.
“It will be a drawcard for the area and it’ll be very family oriented,” she said.
“I am very excited for the children and very excited that we can be on the map yet again, with fabulous play spaces for all.
“We are asking families with children of all ages to complete the survey so that we can better understand their needs and put forward a plan for the future of our play spaces.”
These spaces played a crucial role in strengthening the social fabric of the town, according to mayor La Vella.
“This strategy will come out of a lot of consultation with the community and it’s important because we are short on play areas,” she said.
“Within that mix of play spaces, we’ve also been talking about splash parks and everything else associated with a lot of fun and a lot of adventure.
“Our community needs to have this because it’s part of the social infrastructure we desperately need in the Central Goldfields — it’s a really good social outlet for children.”
For Maryborough local and mum of four, Kirby Andrews, more play spaces would mean more opportunities for her family to connect.
“I think it would be nice to have more areas or the existing ones could be updated with newer swings and slides,” she said.
“These areas are very important for us. We love getting outdoors and we often go to the playgrounds around town and we love having that time together.
“The kids get to form a lot of new friendships as well, there’s always a new kids to play with.”
Hoping the feasibility study for the splash park will produce positive results, Ms Andrews said a water play area would be great for the town.
“It would be amazing if we had a splash park. We went to one outside of town and I thought it was the best and the kids loved it,” she said.
“I think it would definitely make me want to stay in town and not travel elsewhere.”
To complete the council’s play spaces survey, visit engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au/playspaces — responses can be submitted until September 15.