City of Greater Geelong Council has unveiled a new local playground as part of its Leopold Tennis Pavilion Redevelopment project.
The Council says the existing playground was deconstructed and donated to the Rotary Overseas Recycled Playgrounds (RORP) program, which has now sent over 200 playgrounds overseas to developing countries.
The former Leopold Recreation Reserve playground is earmarked for Angeles, Philippines, as part of a larger shipment of 14 playgrounds, where they will be reinstalled by the local Rotary & Lions Clubs there, the Council said in a statement.
The new playground installed at the south end of the reserve as a part of the Leopold Tennis Pavilion Redevelopment project, which was funded in the City’s 2022/23 budget as part of the Leopold Tennis Pavilion Redevelopment project, features colours selected to blend harmoniously with the natural environment.
“The Leopold Memorial Reserve is not only used by local tennis enthusiasts, but it also serves local families too,” said Mayor, Trent Sullivan.
“So, it is wonderful to see that the new playground has been installed and I trust it will be well used by the community for years to come.”
The new upgraded facility will feature:
- a social space
- kiosk/kitchen
- internal and external storage
- female-friendly club amenities including showers
- toilets and accessible public toilet
- an accessible car bay
The upgrade was made possible thanks $1 million from Victorian Government’s Sport and Recreation 2022 – 23 Local Community Sport and Recreation Projects fund and $720,000 contributed by Council.
“Ensuring there is adequate access to open spaces, play spaces and parks across the Bellarine ward is a high priority for Council,” said Councillor, Jim Mason.
“Small local playgrounds play a vital role in fostering community cohesion and providing safe spaces for children to play, explore, and interact with their peers.
“These types of playgrounds at reserves not only promote physical activity and healthy development but also serve as gathering points for families,” he said.
The redevelopment project will be complete in August.
