Batesford's first community play space will become a reality with joint funding successfully secured from Sports and Recreation Victoria and Golden Plains Shire.
The Batesford community play space will see the design and installation of a nature themed play space, including a variety of structures to encourage climbing, balancing and sliding activities. The design will allow for access for all abilities and ages, imaginative learning and unstructured play.
Mayor Cr Des Phelan welcomed the State Government’s $46,500 funding contribution through Sports and Recreation Victoria.
“The play space project is a high priority for this community and for Golden Plains Shire, as there are currently no public play space facilities in Batesford,” said Cr Phelan.
“With a growing number of young families, this will be an important asset for the community. Families will also be able to meet socially at the play space, adding to the sense of local community.
Council’s Recreation Strategy 2015-19 identifies the development of a play space in Batesford as high priority, and the Batesford Community Plan 2014 – developed by community members – also identifies a play space as a top priority for the town.
The community expressed the need for an active leisure space that would also act as an informal community meeting space. Through the establishment of this space young families will be able to increase participation in physical activity, encouraging Batesford to become a ‘walkable’ community.
Play space concept drawings (see below link) include features such as a log pole walk, slides and swings, a ‘rock labyrinth’, additional native plants and car parking facilities.
The play space will be located in Tolloora Way, Batesford and construction is expected to start this year following awarding of the contract. Council will contribute $23,500 to the $70,000 project.