Bega council makes playground design child's play

Bega Valley Shire Council is calling on kids to help design an inclusive playground at Eden, like the one pictured here at Tathra. Photo: Supplied.

Eden’s kids are being encouraged to help design an inclusive playground through a COVIDSafe consultation which will be held at the existing Barclay Street skate park on Saturday 19 September from 10 am until noon.

Bega Valley Shire Council says the shire’s smallest residents will be able to help develop early concept designs for the playground, using NSW Government inclusive play guidelines.

Council Recreation and Natural Assets Coordinator John Turville said getting all users involved would help shape a playspace the community could be proud of.

“We’re really keen to get a sense of what kids and parents want their playspace to look like,” Mr Turville said.

“Parents and kids are probably looking for different things in a playspace, so we will be asking everyone to pick design elements from printed boards we’ll have on-site.

“Everyone will be asked to choose five preferred play items or features by placing stickers on the image of their choice. Children and adults will have different coloured stickers, making it easy to establish any universal favourites.”

Mr Turville said the NSW Government’s ‘Everyone Can Play’ guidelines drove the development of the popular inclusive playspace in Tathra, and the soon-to-be-opened play area in Bermagui.

“Coming along to the Eden consultation is the community’s chance to talk with landscape architects to help them with concept designs,” he said.

“With families, project experts, and government inclusive play guidelines coming together, we have a golden opportunity to design a unique and enjoyable playspace for everyone in Eden.”

Following the community consultation, concept designs will be available for public comment on council’s website in October.

“Community participation, architectural advice and government guidelines will inform the final concept design that will be presented to council before the end of the year,” said Mr Turville.

Landscape architects and council staff will also be available to discuss aspects of the recently approved Barclay Street Sportsground Masterplan, the sports ground pavilion and the planned upgrade to Eden skatepark.