Playtime to be more fun

VISITORS to Lillydale Lake will notice big changes taking shape at the playground site, including extensive earthworks and partially installed bright new play equipment surrounded by a high fence.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges is spending $400,000 installing an Access for All Abilities (AAA) playground and has now removed the old equipment.
The new-look playground has been made fully accessible as part of Council’s Community For Everyone policy.
Shire of Yarra Ranges mayor, Cr David Hodgett said the new equipment will provide the area with a much needed facelift.
“As well as making the area more accessible for people with differing abilities such as children who are visually, physically or hearing impaired, the new equipment will re-energise the park and encourage usage from a wider range of visitors,” he said.
The shire received $135,000 from Sport and Recreation Victoria for the project, with the council using the funding to focus on providing access to children with a variety of different abilities and their families.
The area under construction has been fenced and a sign installed to provide information about the new playground. Recreation Services Executive Officer, Gerran Wright, said Lillydale Lake is a popular playground and is likely to remain a favoured play destination after the upgrade.
“The great thing about the new play equipment is that it’s designed so children of all abilities can enjoy a play,” Mr Wright said.
“Depending on weather conditions children should be enjoying the playground in the new year but may have to explore other play options at Lillydale Lake in the lead up to Christmas,” he said.
Anyone who would like additional information on the AAA playground should contact Gerran Wright on 9294 6758.