Bring the kids! Bega Valley Shire Council is asking Eden’s smallest residents to help them build an inclusive playspace.
A community consultation is planned for later in September (2020) where lovers of play, young and old, will be able to aid in the development of early concept designs.
Council’s Recreation and Natural Assets Coordinator, John Turville said getting all users involved will shape a playspace the community can be proud of.
“We’re really keen to get a sense of what kids and parents want their playspace to look like,” he said.
“Parents and kids are probably looking for different things in a playspace, so we will be asking everyone to pick design elements from printed boards we’ll have on site.
“Everyone will be asked to choose five preferred play items or features by placing stickers on the image of their choice. Children and adults will have different colour stickers, making it easy to establish any universal favourites.”
Mr Turville said the playspace will be designed using NSW government inclusive play guidelines.
“The government’s Everyone Can Play guidelines have driven the development of the popular inclusive playspace in Tathra and the soon-to-be-opened play area in Bermagui,” he said.
“Coming along to the Eden consultation is the community’s chance to talk with landscape architects to help them guide concept designs.
“With families, project experts and government inclusive play guidelines coming together, we have a golden opportunity to design a unique and enjoyable playspace for everyone in Eden.
“The concept designs from this consultation will be presented for public comment on Council’s website in October (2020). Community participation, architectural advice and government guidelines will inform the final concept design that will be presented to Council before the end of the year.”
The COVIDSafe consultation will be held at the existing Barclay Street skate park on Saturday 19 September (2020) from 10am – 12pm.
Landscape architects and Council staff will also be available to discuss aspects of the recently approved Barclay Street Sportsground Masterplan, the sportsground pavilion and the planned upgrade to Eden skatepark.
Source: Bega Valley Shire Council
Photograph: The much-loved Tathra inclusive playspace.