Playgrounds have long been a place for children to get outdoors and have some fun, but last year highlighted even more their importance as a community hub. While much of the state was locked down by coronavirus restrictions, local playgrounds were vital for children and their parents to interact, explore and recharge.
From climbable dinosaur heads to aeroplane structures, Wyndham’s hundreds of playgrounds offer plenty of fun and exercise options for children.
Wyndham’s active portfolio holder, Cr Peter Maynard, said the council maintained 268 open space playgrounds.
“We also accept handover of about 20 open space playgrounds per year from developers,” Cr Maynard said.
“Wyndham City also maintains 60 kindergarten and community centre playgrounds, bringing the combined total to 328 playgrounds.”
Cr Maynard said that under the Wyndham Parks 2021 Project, the council would spend $1.9 million upgrading 30 local parks throughout the 2020-21 financial year.
Across the course of the entire project, about 250 parks across the municipality have been upgraded.
“We know that active play spaces for children can significantly enhance the development potential of a child and is important for healthy and happy individuals and communities,” Cr Maynard said.
“Parks and play spaces have become even more important since COVID and restrictions.
“We’ve seen a huge increase in the number of families and children using our facilities over the past 12 months.”
Cr Maynard said that playing was essential for helping children to develop social, emotional, cognitive and physical skills.
“The Wyndham City Play Space Strategy outlines council’s commitment to the provision of inclusive and accessible play spaces across the municipality,” Cr Maynard said.
“The strategy recognises the importance of formal and informal play opportunities and the contribution that these spaces make for community wellbeing and social-connectedness.”
See www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/play-space-strategy-2030 for details.
Some of the many playgrounds in Wyndham include:
Aeroplane Park – Stanhope Road, Tarneit
Ashcroft Park (also known as Aviator Park)- Mandrel Drive, Williams Landing
Grandview Dinosaur Park – Altezze Drive, Truganina
Grange Reserve – Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing
James D Bellin Reserve – Beach Road, Werribee South
Presidents Park – McGrath Road, Wyndham Vale
Riverwalk Water Park – New Market Road, Werribee
Safari Park Cornerstone – Grandvista Boulevard, Werribee
Saltwater Coast Crocodile Park – Saltwater Promenade, Point Cook
Woodville Park – Woodville Drive, Hoppers Crossing
Wyndham Park – entry from Wedge Street Piazza, Werribee
