Corrigans Reserve inclusive playground plans on display

Eurobodalla’s largest playground is being rebuilt to accommodate people of all ages and abilities.

Council has been working with disability advocates in Batemans Bay and a landscape architect to design the inclusive playground at Corrigans Reserve in Batehaven, and the results are now on public exhibition.

Council’s Director of Infrastructure Services Warren Sharpe says the new plans are the result of months of work and input from the local community.

“Late last year we asked residents and visitors to let us know what kind of equipment they would like to see at the playground. The kids and adults who completed the survey told us they want similar things - sliding, climbing, monkey bars, a flying fox, riding, and opportunities for imaginative play.

“The landscape architect has worked with that information and our very dedicated community committee to come up with the concept designs. We hope the community likes them as much as we do,” he said.

Mr Sharpe said the size of the existing playground will be expanded and wherever possible the existing playground equipment will be converted to allow inclusive use.

“We’ve installed accessible picnic tables and shelters on the grassed area in recent months and they form part of the design, too,” he said. “It’s about creating a place where people of all ages and abilities can socialise and enjoy themselves.

“After we’ve finalised the plans based on any additional community input from the public exhibition, we’ll develop a construction staging plan for the funds available and call for tenders to complete the first stage of the works.”

“Meanwhile, we will continue to work closely with community groups to seek further funding and grants that will see the entire concept plan realised.”

The playground upgrade has been a staged approach so far, Mr Sharpe explained, with Council working with community organisation The Bay Push to install an access pathway for wheelchairs to Corrigans Beach at the rear of Clyde View Caravan Park. The new path provides access for two water wheelchairs donated by the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club.

“This truly is a project of partnerships,” Mr Sharpe said.

$500,000 is secured for the project so far and comprises $400,000 from Council, including a $300,000 grant from the NSW Government’s ‘ClubGRANTS’ program. The Bay Push is contributing a further $100,000 to the project, from a NSW Government Community Partnerships grant.

The Corrigans Reserve Draft Concept Plan and accompanying Ideas Booklet illustrating each of the play components is now available for public comment until 23 March 2016: