Cohuna All Abilities Adventure Playground tender awarded

Published on 20 May 2021

The construction of the Gannawarra’s second All Abilities Playground will proceed later this year after Gannawarra Shire Council awarded the tender for the Cohuna All Abilities Playground project.

CJ & BT McLoughlan will oversee the project after Council awarded the successful tender at the May 2021 Council Meeting.

To be located in Apex Park adjacent to Cohuna Beach and a recently installed barbecue shelter, the playground forms part of the $3.4 million Cohuna CBD and Waterfront Connections project, supported by the State Government’s $2.7 billion Building Works package.

“The Cohuna All Abilities Adventure Playground will create a new modern play space, suitable for all children with various abilities to engage with play infrastructure and gardens,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

"Adapting playgrounds to be inclusive spaces for kids of all abilities to explore and extend their imagination beyond a slide and swing set will help to encourage more social interaction and adoption of active living within families.”

To view a large version of the above image, please click here - Cohuna-All-Abilities-Playground.jpg(JPG, 8MB)

Extensive community engagement conducted during late 2020 and earlier this year inspired the playground’s proposed design, with key features including a stand-up see saw that pumps water into a water channel, a three-storey play area designed as an old farm shack, climbing areas and flying fox, all located along a pathway that replicates the Gunbower Creek.

“The proposed design celebrates Cohuna’s rich links to Gunbower Creek and the agriculture sector in a manner which people of all abilities can enjoy,” Mayor Gillingham said.

The current playground at Apex Park will remain in place during the construction of the Cohuna All Abilities Adventure Playground, but will be removed once this project is complete.

“Council applauds the efforts of the Cohuna Playgroup in fundraising and seeking support from the Cohuna and District Progress Association, Lions Club of Cohuna, Apex Club of Cohuna and other community donations to support the construction of the current playground, which has been a popular place of enjoyment for local and visiting children and their families for the past 18 years,” Mayor Gillingham said.

Council will keep residents updated on the Cohuna All Abilities Adventure Playground via its website, Facebook page, Gannawarra News and Gannawarra Connect.