11 September 2019

Kids and convicts shape new Nimmitabel playground

| Ian Campbell
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Hanging around in Nimmitabel's new playground. Photo from NAG Facebook

Hanging around in Nimmitabel’s new playground. Photo from NAG Facebook

A new playground is turning heads at Nimmitabel on the eastern edge of the Monaro.

The bubblegum coloured update sits side by side with an existing ‘old school’ playground that has been there for at least 40 year according to Vickie Pollard, President of the Nimmitabel Advancement Group.

Using money from the Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund, a climbing frame, rope net, and rock wall have been installed along with a spring loaded motorbike and seesaw and raised stepping stones.

“We haven’t had new equipment for such a long time, all the local children are very excited,” Vickie says.

The thumbs up for some of the kids who helped design the playground. Photo from NAG Facebook

The thumbs up for some of the kids who helped design the playground. Photo from NAG Facebook

“The playground also encourages visitors to stop, have a picnic lunch, get some nice food from up the street, it gets people to stop and enjoy Nimmitabel.”

The kids of this town of 224 people had input into the design and the equipment that was chosen, while inmates from Cooma Correctional Centre worked as part of the crew with Snowy Monaro Regional Council installing the new pieces.

Snow that could start falling any day now will add an extra dimension to this new attraction. It’s a space that has seen many happy times in winters past; on the handful of days snow does settle on the ground in Nimmitabel, this playground has offered a cheap and quick snow experience for kids from the coast.

And more so this winter!

Families with a connection to this spot at the northern end of town, just off the Monaro Highway will be pleased to know the old swings, steel slippery dip, and carousel remain.

Hang on, the new spring loaded seesaw. Photo from NAG Facebook

Hang on, the new spring loaded seesaw. Photo from NAG Facebook

At a time when many older parks are being pulled out, Nimmitabel has been able to hang on to its ‘old-school’ playground while getting an upgrade.

Vickie beams as she explains that all the older gear met current regulations, so was allowed to stay.

“And once the old gear gets a coat of paint, in the same purple and orange as the new gear, they’ll be brand new too,” Vickie says.

There’s more to come though.

Nimmitabel Lions Club has received funding to install tables, chairs, and shade, and there’s talk of a barbecue.

“And hopefully, a few years down the track we might be able to get funding for a flying-fox,” Vickie says.

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