A
new local playground has been installed and the Leopold Tennis Pavilion
Redevelopment project, situated at the Leopold Memorial Reserve on the corner
of Melaluka Rd and Bellarine Hwy, continues to progress.
The
existing playground was deconstructed and donated to the Rotary Overseas
Recycled Playgrounds (RORP) program, which has now sent over two hundred
playgrounds overseas to developing countries. These destinations include Fiji,
Egypt, India, Mongolia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, South Africa, Sri
Lanka, Tanzania, Timor Leste, and Vanuatu.
Specifically,
the former Leopold Recreation Reserve Playground is earmarked for Angeles,
Philippines, as part of a larger shipment of 14 playgrounds, where they will be
reinstalled by the local Rotary & Lions Clubs there.
The
new playground installed at the south end of the reserve as a part of the
Leopold Tennis Pavilion Redevelopment project, which was funded in the City’s
2022/23 budget as part of the Leopold Tennis Pavilion Redevelopment project,
features colours selected to blend harmoniously with the natural environment.
Its
new location at the south end was determined through consultation with users of
the reserve, maintaining its proximity to the existing sporting club rooms.
Project
construction commenced with the demolition of the old pavilion just before the
end of last year, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the
reserve.
The new upgraded facility will feature:
- a social space
- kiosk/kitchen
- internal and external storage
- female-friendly club amenities including showers
- toilets and accessible public toilet
- an accessible car bay
The
upgrade was made possible thanks $1 million from Victorian Government’s Sport
and Recreation 2022 – 23 Local Community Sport and Recreation Projects fund and
$720,000 contributed by the City of Greater Geelong.
During
the redevelopment process, existing public toilet facilities will remain
available, with demolition scheduled upon the completion of works.
Greater
Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan
The
Leopold Memorial Reserve is not only used by local tennis enthusiasts, but it
also serves local families too.
So,
it is wonderful to see that the new playground has been installed and I trust
it will be well used by the community for years to come.
Councillor
Jim Mason
Ensuring there is adequate access to open spaces, play spaces
and parks across the Bellarine ward is a high priority for Council.
Small
local playgrounds play a vital role in fostering community cohesion and
providing safe spaces for children to play, explore, and interact with their
peers.
These
types of playgrounds at reserves not only promote physical activity and healthy
development but also serve as gathering points for families.
The
Leopold Tennis Pavilion Redevelopment project will be complete in August.