By Callum Ludwig
Yarra Ranges Council is seeking a contribution from the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund to deliver the McKenzie King Playspace Renewal upgrade in Millgrove.
It’s part of a $7.5 million of funding push for seven projects across the region.
Councillors unanimously voted to endorse the funding applications with Cr Tim Heenan moving the motion.
“In a time and place where we’re looking at constraints at our own budget and certainly rate payer’s is important, it’s great to access this particular grant stream and I sincerely hope that we are successful and we’ve done really well in past years,” Cr Heenan said.
The upgrade is included as part of the Yarra Ranges Council’s 2019-2029 Playspace Plan.
The estimated cost of the project is $350,000, with $175,00 set to be sought from the State Government, matched by the Council and other sources which are already committed through Council’s Capital Expenditure Program.
Currently, the McKenzie King Playspace consists of the main structure under a huge oak tree with a spiral slide, wave slide, big curved climber with circles, tunnel, climber, walkways, chain traverse, shop front, spiral ladder, curved ladder, abacus, monkey bars and flying fox.
There is also a smaller structure with a wave slide, shop front, rigid frame ladder, cubby seat, tic-tac-toe and tunnel and separately two springers, a see-saw, swings and shaded seats and tables with minimal grassy area.
The Millgrove Resident’s Action Group (MRAG) 2105 Community Action Plan highlighted goals to install or upgrade security plus toilets, park equipment, shelter, fencing and CCTV cameras at McKenzie King Park.
