Koondrook All Abilities Playground officially opened

Published on 15 December 2021

The Koondrook and surrounding community are celebrating following the official opening of the Gannawarra’s first all abilities adventure playground.

Gannawarra Shire Council’s Mayor Charlie Gillingham officially opened the Koondrook All Abilities Playground during a community celebration on Tuesday, 14 December.

Located on the former Koondrook Memorial Hall site, the playground features many elements that provide a sensory and inclusive experience for people of all abilities,  including water and sand play areas, net climber, flying fox, in-ground trampolines and an accessible Liberty Swing.

ABOVE: The Koondrook All Abilities Playground.

“The development of the Koondrook All Abilities Playground is an example of what happens when the community and Council work collaboratively to achieve an outcome,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“This project would not have been possible without the foresight of the Koondrook community, who identified back in 2017, when the hall was demolished after falling into disrepair, that there was a need for a play space that catered for people of all abilities.

“What followed was extensive engagement between the Koondrook Development Committee, Koondrook Hall Committee, school children, residents and Council, which helped identify what an all abilities playground should include and how it would connect the community.”

The $592,000 project was supported by a $390,000 grant from the State Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund, the Koondrook Hall Committee ($25,000), Koondrook Development Committee ($22,595, including funding from the Bus Stop Recycle Shop) and Gannawarra Shire Council.

ABOVE: More than 100 people attended the official opening of the Koondrook All Abilities Playground.

The community celebration, which featured live music, face painting and a Koondrook Fire Brigade-organised visit from Santa, was supported with funding from the Victorian State Government’s COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund.

“The Koondrook All Abilities Playground has enhanced what Koondrook offers for residents and visitors. Families can now have a meal at any of the local cafes or restaurants in town, explore the internationally acclaimed Koondrook Wharf then spend time exploring  the new playground,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“Council congratulates all who played a role in this project and looks forward to seeing residents and visitors embrace this space for many years to come.”

MAIN PHOTO: Mayor Charlie Gillingham (left), Deputy Mayor, Cr Jane Ogden and Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O'Reilly following the official opening of the Koondrook All Abilities Playground.