By Rowan Forster
The transformation of Gembrook’s dilapidated playground is proving to be one of the township’s most divisive projects, amid a late resurgence of locals who want the original park’s “character” maintained.
In November, plans detailed that the $1.5 million Gembrook Leisure Park would include a solar-powered DJ booth, splash pad and Ninja Warrior-inspired rope course.
However, the vision was met with scepticism by some locals, prompting Cardinia Shire to put the project through another round of consultations.
Many wrote to council, demanding the “iconic” wooden train be preserved.
The community will now play the deciding role in how the play space is realised.
Cardinia Shire has offered five unique options for the concept design, each with its own allures.
Omnitec concept: This design includes train refurbishment, flying fox, trampoline, accessible carousel, swings, multi level tower with slides, seesaw, rockers, spinners, flower talking tubes.
A-Space concept: This concept includes train refurbishment, two climbing / adventure towers, two spinners, rockers, swings, flying fox, flower talking tubes.
Adventure Plus concept: This concept includes train refurbishment, multi-level tower with slides, monkey bars and reference to the Gembrook mines, trampolines, large climbing structure, flying fox, swings, rocker, tunnel, music panel and spinner.
Safe Play concept: This concept includes train refurbishment, climbing / challenge structures, swings, double flying fox, accessible carousel, seesaw, rocker, spinning climber.
Proludic concept: This concept includes train refurbishment, swings, rockers, large tower with slide, challenge / climbing structures, seesaw, accessible trampoline, accessible carousel and flying fox.
Those who are interested can vote for their favorite design on Cardinia Shire’s website.
Voting closes 5pm, 24 February.
