Natural playscape crafted by Surf Coast Council and Parent Advisory Group

Children attending Torquay Kindergarten in 2020 and beyond will benefit from a new space where they can explore, learn and grow in an upgraded playground with a natural setting, thanks to work undertaken by Torquay Kindergarten’s Parent Advisory Group (PAG) and the Surf Coast Shire Council.

The two groups collaborated to jointly fund the playground upgrade at the Grossmans Road centre, the completion of which was celebrated on Monday 10 February, with kinder youngsters keen to make the most of the new-look space.

Additions to the space included new rubber surfacing and pathways, an accessible ramp, a large deck with workbench, a dry creek bed and water pump, new rock edging around a mud pit and sandpit, raised garden beds and plants.

Mayor Rose Hodge was pleased to see the kindergarten’s teachers’ vision of a natural play space come to life.

“The use of natural materials fits in perfectly with Torquay’s coastal character,” Mr Hodge said. “I’m so pleased that children are going to climb, splash and create in this fabulous space, both now and for years to come.”

The project was made up of a PAG contribution of $52,978 and a Council contribution of $59,437.

“Well done to the Parent Advisory Group for jointly funding this project,” Mr Hodge said. “You should be incredibly proud that your efforts will see so many local children enjoy this space.”

The salvageable hardwood timber from the previous playground was repurposed in the new design, something Mr Hodge noted as being consistent with the Council’s recent Climate Emergency declaration, and one which “sets a good example for our young community members, who learn the value of reusing and recycling as part of their kinder education”. 

Programmed Maintenance was contracted for the work, and the Mayor thanked the team for working on the project during the Kindergarten’s Christmas/New Year closure period.