Have your say on three playgrounds in the Surf Coast Shire

Published on 05 December 2024

Young families can swing into action and share their thoughts on three playgrounds in Jan Juc, Moriac, and Torquay.

Surf Coast Shire Council is replacing Bob Pettitt Reserve playground in Jan Juc, Moriac All Access Playground at Newling Reserve, and Ocean Acres Playground in Torquay.

Councillor Liz Pattison said the three playgrounds were ageing and due for a replacement.

“The replacement playgrounds are going to offer the same play features and fun, with minor changes based on community input,” she said.

“We might swap a rock-climbing wall with a rope net, a standard swing for a basket swing, or a tic tac toe panel with a clock – that’s where community input comes in.

“We’ll retain everything the community tells us they love about the playgrounds – whether that’s the look and feel or the ages it caters for.”

People can provide input via a short online survey or a pop-up session at Bob Pettitt Reserve Playground on Tuesday 10 December between 12pm and 1pm.

Council staff will also be at Swell Café in Jan Juc on Friday 6 December from 9am to 10am, and Moriac General Store on Friday 13 December from 9am to 10am.

“Playgrounds are a special spot for so many families. I’ve spent countless hours watching my kids slide, balance, jump and climb – especially at our local Bob Pettitt,” Cr Pattison said.

“I encourage people who utilise these three playgrounds to have their say. The feedback will help us design and then replace the playgrounds.

“Once the designs are finalised, we’ll seek community input again – likely in March/April 2025 – to select a colour scheme for each of the playgrounds.”

Council will ensure Moriac playground remains an accessible playground, and Bob Pettitt Reserve and Ocean Acres playgrounds will meet new access requirements.

Council regularly inspects playgrounds and renews them when they’re ageing and in poor condition, before they become unsafe.

“These three playgrounds are due for renewal in the current financial year,” Cr Pattison said. “It will be exciting to see the results, which will be based on community input.”

The three playgrounds are scheduled to be constructed in winter 2025.

Learn more and complete the survey at yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/playground-renewals. Feedback closes Monday 13 January 2025 at 5pm.