A new $3.4 million regional playspace featuring play equipment found nowhere else in Tasmania has been officially opened at Giblins Reserve in Glenorchy.
Glenorchy City Council Mayor Bec Thomas said redevelopment of the reserve was funded with $2 million in Federal Government funding and $1.4 million funding from the council.
“We have made this investment to create a playspace that caters for a wide range of ages and abilities, making it a genuinely family-friendly area offering something for everyone.
“At the heart of this concept is the inclusion of a multi-use games arena which provides an outdoor space for older children, teenagers, and adults to play basketball or futsal, complementing other nearby play areas which cater for younger children.
Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown said The Australian Government is committed to creating accessible regional spaces for all community members to enjoy.
“I’m thrilled the Giblins Reserve is a genuinely inclusive play space and provides something fun for everyone,” she said.
Mayor Thomas said council recognised the need to construct a playspace that caters for a wider range of abilities, as well as ages, so wanted to also install equipment that can be enjoyed by people who use wheelchairs.
“The We-Go Swing is specifically designed to be used by people in wheelchairs, which hopefully provides an extra element for those in our community who normally aren’t able to access play equipment.”
Mayor Thomas said it was believed both the multi-use games arena and the We-Go Swing were the first of their kind to be installed in Tasmania, and the rock-climbing wall is the largest of its kind for an outdoor playspace in the state.
“Having safe and accessible spaces for people in our community to gather and have fun is a fundamental part of our civic planning. We want people to be able to enjoy our community and have access to local spaces that provide engaging entertainment and activity for local families.”
Mayor Thomas said Giblins Reserve featured two distinct areas; one designed specifically for children, and the other for older children and adults, which was an important part of the design considerations.
A new public toilet and barbecue facilities have also been developed, adding further to the amenity and appeal of the picturesque waterfront park by Prince of Wales Bay.
“We are proud to have contributed to a playspace that all age groups can enjoy. Being active and engaged are fundamental aspects of living healthy lives, and we want our entire community to have access to these facilities,” Senator Brown said.