Nautical-themed equipment pushes playing boundaries

Young families living in and visiting Flinders Bay, Augusta will be delighted to find a newly constructed nature-based playground on the foreshore of the Blackwood River. The spectacular showpiece, installed by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, replaces the previous traditional play equipment, which was nearing the end of its useful life. Augusta Playgroup are credited for proposing the creative play piece where local children could push physical and imaginative boundaries. The feature piece is a multi-level pirate ship made out of locally-sourced Jarrah with a slide, ships wheel, a sliding pole and climbing ropes completing the main structure. A timber car, teepee tunnel, mushroom picnic setting, a jetty, and interactive log steppers provide additional play options in the soft-fall surrounds. Shire of Augusta Margaret River Parks and Gardens Officer Shane Bacskai said he had received an influx of positive feedback for the nautical-themed masterpiece.  “It was such a good project to be involved with so many people contributing fantastic ideas to achieve a result that works well for everyone,” he said. “The whole Augusta community really embraced the project and we really thank the local playground for taking such a proactive lead in coordinating input for the project. “The result really speaks for itself – it’s loved by children of various ages and it’s provide a free, social, play opportunity for young families.” As well as working with the Augusta Playgroup, consultation for the completion of the project was conducted with the local community, Kidsafe WA, and the Flinders Bay Home Owners Group