Kingborough Council is starting to dig in, ready to create one of Tasmania’s best playgrounds.

Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Dean Winter, was due to break ground today, Tuesday, January 28 on the first stage of this important community project which will begin the construction of the long-awaited play space and the community lawn.

Mayor Winter, playground designers Playstreet and construction experts SLS, will be on site at 11am to talk about what the playground will be like and most importantly, when the gates will open for everyone to enjoy.

Following extensive consultation, the key design aspirations from the community were for connections to nature, an inclusive space for all ages, abilities and cultures, public amenities and healthy living.

Although there has been some controversary about the cost of the project, many in the community are looking forward to the addition of the facilities that Mayor Winter believes will be the best in Tasmania.

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

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

The space will include a wide range of recreational components in addition to the children’s playground, including other scattered play features, barbeque shelters, spaces for public events and performances, pedestrian and bike trails, grassed areas for general play and water features.

The space will also allow the community to enjoy natural elements with seats and benches, trees for shade and gardens for aesthetic appeal, natural areas, sculptures and public art and quiet rest areas.

Designated parking will be provided in certain locations and on adjoining roadsides to allow for convenient access for visitors to Kingston Park.

The long-term vision for parking will see stays of up to three hours remaining free for the community.

Playstreet commented that they have taken great care in carefully planning linkages through the site and beyond to create seamless connections to the parkland. 

There are baby, toddler, children and youth areas, each with interactive and engaging play equipment.

In conjunction with the development of the playground, the community lawn will provide connection and transition to the Kingborough Community Hub with a large green space, seating, garden beds and direct connections to the toddler and baby areas of the playground.

To further connect Kingston Park to the Kingston CBD, the next stage of the project is to develop the Pardalote Parade walkway between the Hub and the John Street/Channel Highway intersection, which will add further greenery and seating to the area.

The playground and public open space master plan is available to view and download at https://www.kingborough.tas.gov.au/development/kingston-park/public-open-space-playground or via the development tab of the Kingborough Council website.