Glenorchy City Council is continuing to invest in enhancing playgrounds in the City by approving $1 million in the 2023/2024 capital works program for the Benjafield Playspace renewal project.
Glenorchy Mayor Bec Thomas said the decision followed community requests for improved playgrounds.
“Council has heard how important parks, playgrounds and open space areas are to our community, and we are working hard to respond to that need,” she said.
“We know that having safe areas with modern play infrastructure is extremely important for our community, particularly young families.
“These spaces encourage families and children to get outside and be active. For young children, they help teach vital skills both physically and socially. Having access to quality play infrastructure and the spaces that support it is something that makes people feel good about where they live.
“Last year Council adopted the Planning for Play 2041 Playspace Strategy which identified the current and future needs for the community and set out a strategic framework to guide Council in delivering affordable and contemporary play spaces to the community.
“Benjafield playground is one of Council’s most significant district playspaces that is over 20 years old and is noted as a high priority in the Playspace Strategy,” Mayor Thomas said.
The funding comes from the Council’s Property Disposals Reserve which is used exclusively for the acquisition, development, improvement and/or accessibility of open space. The Reserve includes money from the recent sale of land in Chigwell to Homes Tasmania for the development of social and affordable housing.
Mayor Thomas said approving allocation of the funds will enable Council officers to develop concept plans and undertake community engagement over the coming months so the project would be ready to commence early in the new financial year.
“Our local Moonah community have already highlighted with Council the important of this playspace, and we are looking forward to going back to them and the broader community with ideas for this much-loved area in 2023,” she said.
The renewal of Benjafield playground will complement the extensive program of local and neighbourhood playground replacement that are being undertaken over the next two years through a combination of grant funds and Council’s asset renewal program.
“Playspace renewals have already happened at Barry Street Reserve, Montrose Foreshore and Booth Avenue and renewals are programmed for this financial year at Collinsvale and Cairnduff Reserve,” Mayor Thomas said.
“A further 12 playspaces are to be renewed over the coming two years with $1.5 million in grant funds secured from the Australian Government, along with major upgrades to Giblins Reserve with work commencing early next year.
“Glenorchy City Council recognises the importance of investing in our playspaces, as well as listening to what our community wants when it comes to planning and renewing these areas so we can build relevant spaces that will support not just this generation of kids, but the next as well, and people of all ages for that matter” Mayor Thomas said.