The City of Greater Bendigo has put the finishing touches on the third and final stage of a major upgrade of the Strathdale Park Play Space in Crook Street which will open tomorrow Thursday August 22.
City of Greater Bendigo Parks and Open Space Manager Paul Gangell said the stage three works have included installation of new play equipment, seating, shade shelters and a junior water and sand play area.
“The $745,000 transformation of the Strathdale Park Play Space commenced in 2015 and has been undertaken in three stages over several Council budgets,” Mr Gangell said.
Stage one of the project included some exciting new additions to the play space including a new combination play unit complete with a spiral tube slide and multiple climbing opportunities. Other equipment installed included a wheelchair accessible carousel and a nature play area featuring a custom made timber play hive and gigantic gumnuts.
Stage two included the reconfiguration of the carpark along Crook Street to allow for the installation of the very popular five-way swing. During this stage the former asphalt path received a makeover to become a canvass for the colourful painting of native animals.
“As part of the stage three works, students from Kennington Primary School created beautiful coloured mosaic tiles with the help of local artist Kerry Punton to decorate a large three dimensional concrete gecko that wraps around the new sand pit.
“Local children also participated in a pebble making workshop in the Hargreaves Mall where they created blue textured pebbles that have been embedded into the water channel that meanders its way through the play space.
“The City has made a serious investment in this play space which is one of our most visited recreation areas.
“The upgrade of the play space along with new landscaping and shade shelters is providing exciting new play opportunities and outdoor activities for children of all ages and abilities.”