New play space for Lake Weeroona progresses

A new play space for Lake Weeroona has moved a step closer with the City of Greater Bendigo calling for tenders for detailed design of the new space. The contract will also have an optional item for construction of the play space subject to securing funding for the upgrade.

City of Greater Bendigo Presentation and Assets Director Brian Westley said the City had undertaken community consultation in early 2020 to find out what people wanted to see in a new play space and developed and released a concept plan for the new play space in September 2020 for further community comment.

“We are now ready to move to detailed design of the play space and are currently calling for tenders to undertake the design of the accessible ramps and play towers component of the project,” Mr Westley said. 

“While funding for the design work has been provided in the current budget, the tender also includes an option for construction of the new play space which will be subject to additional funds being secured.

“The existing play space was constructed in 1998 and we are now looking forward to building a new facility at the site to continue to entertain new generations of young people for the next 20 years. More than 80,000 visitors enjoy this play space each year and this upgrade will ensure it continues to be a destination play space.”

The new play space aims to incorporate:

• A bigger footprint than the existing space with secure fencing.
• Junior and senior play zones with play equipment for all ages and abilities and a variety of seating options.  The two zones are separated by a central lawn area to provide opportunities for supervision of the surrounding activities.
• A water play area to provide cooling water sprays in the hotter months and a quieter seating area in the colder months.
• An accessible ramp running from the north heading south to provide access to the junior play zone and ending in two taller towers. The ramp will incorporate the existing Peppercorn tree and provide a shaded treehouse space. As the ramp gets higher it can be accessed by more climbing nets with tunnels and swings installed underneath.
• Two towers to provide views over the play space, lake and reserve. The highest tower will have several longer slides coming off it and will provide access to a large climbing net.
• Various swinging options including a basket swing will be included across the site.
• A nature play area next to the junior play zone for quieter experiences.
• Two entrances one in the north (closer to the picnic shelter) and the other in the south (closer to the toilet facility)
• Installation of shade sails and trees and shrubs to provide relief in the hotter weather.
• A new welcome plaza zone located between the play space and the car park where people can congregate in a naturally shaded seating area near the food and drink vans.

Lake Weeroona Play Space is one of the City’s most popular and well used play spaces and its renewal is a key action of the City’s Lake Weeroona Master Plan 2011.