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Community playground attracts international interest

A community developed playground in Victoria's City of Greater Shepparton is receiving national and international attention. The playground attracts between 140,000 and 200,000 visitors per year. The adventures, exploration and imaginative fun themes, keep children at Ardmona Kidstown busy for hours.

The themes include references to many local icons in the Shepparton region, where the economy has long centred around the fruit industry. Kids, 'big' and small can pick fruit in the mini orchard, get lost in the Fruit Bin Maze, climb into treehouse cubbies and take on the challenge of a new concept in 'biggest' - the world's longest monkey bar.

Kiosk and barbeque facilities enable families to enjoy a full day out in the playground. The playground concept was first mooted in 1997 by resident, Geoff Allemand. He took the idea to Council which embraced it immediately.

Manager Recreation Services, Brendan Gosstray, said the playground proved an ideal way to use reclaimed land from an old tip. "We recognised we did not have enough playgrounds at the time and not enough of our playground equipment was new," he said.

"But it is difficult to maintain a large number of playgrounds and have sufficient quality, so we adopted a policy of fewer but better quality playgrounds to maintain high standards.

"We see Kidstown, which we treat as a regional facility, as our premier, most high profile playground. "We receive enquiries about it from all over Australia and even overseas."

He said one of the principal reasons for the playground's success has been the fact it is community driven. While Council provides the land and funds operational aspects and infrastructure, community groups, and Geoff Allemand in particular, run the show. They initiate new concept areas, lobby for corporate sponsors and carry out much of the work.

The playground is an ongoing pursuit with new areas being continually developed. Recently, recycling company VISY donated $100,000 to fund a new VISYLine Miniature Railway. The playground is unique in many respects including having its own webpage at www.kidstown.org.au

For further information contact Brendan Gosstray, telephone (03) 5832 9778

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