If you happen to be heading to
Lakes Entrance, or find yourself in that general vicinity, there's a fantastic new playground to be explored in nearby
Bairnsdale. I had the good fortune to stumble across this gem when travelling up the Princes Highway recently with some very experienced playground critics, aged four years and one year.
A sneaky background check has revealed that
this playground has been 10 years in the making, from lobbying and designing through to finished construction. It's an 'All Abilities Playground', designed to be suitable for all ages and mobility levels, and it certainly lives up to this description.
The playground is fully fenced, with its own toilets, barbeques and picnic benches, as well as boasting fake grass, brightly coloured shade sails and signposts which make you feel like you've just arrived in Toyland.
[ADVERT]The main structure is a large wooden affair, complete with a wheelchair accessible ramp. It features various slides, as well as panels complete with musical instruments and manipulative activities.
A large sandpit is inviting for younger guests and contains a wind-it-yourself conveyor belt for transporting sand - not something we've seen before and a definite hit with the four year old. A couple of water taps add another dimension to sand play and my little ones made a bee line for these as it was a hot day. What is it about sand and water that appeals so much to children?
A magnificent pirate ship provides opportunities for imaginary play and the ground level roundabout can be used by those in wheelchairs. There has been a lot of thought behind the design of this playground. There is a netting structure for those who want to climb and a big basket swing as well as a Liberty Swing for wheelchair users.
The playground also pays homage to different parts of East Gippsland, from timber mills to the shipwreck coast. There are information boards telling you about these noteworthy places and some of the play equipment reflects these features.
My children had an absolute ball at this playground. The equipment, layout and over all feel of the place were very appealing. I highly recommend a play there if you're in the area.
