North Road playground officially open for play

The North Road playground is now completed and provides opportunities for active play, passive recreation and a space for peaceful reflection for people of all ages and abilities.

The final stage of the playground was completed last year and has great water features, including fountains, an overflow creek bed and water pumps. There are sand pits and a stone statue in the shape of a book which features a beautiful poem chosen by local resident and business owner, Guy Mainwaring.

Guy and his family approached Bayside Council in 2014 with the idea of building a place on behalf of the community where families can come and remember children that have died. A number of locations were considered, with the North Road playground finally selected as a beautiful and fitting place to sit and reflect, with views out to sea.

Guy said:

“To my knowledge, there isn’t a community created playground in Melbourne where families can come and remember children they have lost.

“We thank Bayside Council for honouring our vision and following through on their promise to build a place of celebration and reflection.

“We lost our son Gus in 2014 and this will be a special place for us to come and reflect on the joy he brought to our lives.”

The North Road playground also features mini trampolines and a colourful ship named the Rotary Endeavour II. Brighton North Rotary funded and built the original ship, that was well loved but past its use by date, on the site.

Brighton North Rotary member and chair of the Community Committee during the project, Lyn Mortimer said:

“It was important to Rotary to replace the old ship with a new ship – the nautical theme is fitting and continues the legacy of our original project.

“The original shipwreck playground was built in 1993 and our club has been involved in upgrades and maintenance since that time

“Rotary’s involvement has been acknowledged by Council with the installation of new plaques on the ship and the original ‘jetty’ seat nearby.”

Mayor, Cr Michael Heffernan said:

“This project has been a true example of community collaboration.

“The input of the Mainwaring family, Rotary and the playground testers from St James Primary School has given the playground special significance.

“It is rewarding to see so many families enjoying the new space.”

The playground was designed by Fitzgerald Frisby Landscape Architecture, built by Urban Development Landscapers and is part of Council’s commitment to upgrade all Bayside’s playgrounds by 2025.

The playground was officially launched by the Deputy Mayor, Cr Rob Grinter on Monday 21 January 2019.