Plans for Tasmania’s best playground, to be built at the Kingborough Community Hub, have been given the green light this week as Kingborough Council endorsed an application for an interest-free loan to get the project underway.

The majority of respondents also gave high star ratings for the final design of the playground which consists of nine separate areas including a fenced toddler area, a dedicated youth area with a parkour elements and half court for ball games, a rock pool and water play area and a spinning and sensory area with all abilities access.

The Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Dean Winter said he was pleased with the result.

“I can’t wait to see kids in Kingborough, who helped us design this playground, come and enjoy it.

“The vision is to build the best playground and parkland precinct in Tasmania right here at Kingston Park.

“Council is confident that this is the right move and that the playground is a critical element in the overall Kingston Park vision.”

Despite some initial reservations regarding the cost of the project, an online poll by the council showed overwhelming support for the decision, with 86 per cent of respondents saying yes to the loan.

 Mayor Winter wanted to clarify to the community that the total amount borrowed by the Kingborough Council will be completely covered by guaranteed contributions from developers.

“Under the contract with the developer, each sale will generate a minimum contribution to Council.

“This will total more than Council’s total of $12.9 million borrowings for the Kingston Park project.

“The financial incentives for the project and precinct are clear and we look forward to construction starting in early 2020,” said Mayor Winter.

“This will attract more people to central Kingston and provide interest in the on-going revitalisation of the CBD.

“It will also be beneficial for local businesses.”

Council's partners, Traders in Purple who are behind the $300 million Kingston Park project, have welcomed the initiative to create a community playground to encourage families to enjoy the amenity of the park and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

The Traders in Purple spokesperson said “The playground initiative will also serve as a valuable addition to the overall attraction of Kingston Park.

“It is always the facilities that appeal to the whole family that help to stimulate economic benefits, amenity and attract people and families to consider Kingston as a great place to live, play and visit.” 

Pictured above: The approved plan for the Kingston Park playground, which was co-designed by the community, includes nine separate play areas with a dedicated youth space, baby and toddler play areas, a sensory, all abilities space, rock pools, water play and climbing areas alongside the traditional swings and slides. The Kingborough Council’s vison for the playground aimed to have the best in Tasmania on offer for Kingborough residents.