Why is the playground being upgraded?

    George T Fisher playground was last upgraded in 2002, and the current equipment is due to be replaced in 2018. The upgrade of the prominently located playground was also flagged as a priority in the City of Victor Harbor Recreation and Open Space Strategy.

    How much will the upgrade cost?

    The cost for the upgrade of this regional play space is included within Council’s 2018/19 budget at $435,000.

    Council has secured $220,000 in grant funding through the Planning and Development Fund Open Space Grant Program that will contribute to the cost of construction.

    Who are the concept designers?

    Council engaged the designers of the hugely popular Morialta Nature Playground, Climbing Tree and Peter Semple Landscape Architects, to develop the concept design for the George T Fisher Nature Playground.

    Who was consulted in developing the concept design?

    Initial ideas for the upgrade of the George T Fisher Playground were sought from local school students in October 2017, with broader consultation undertaken in June 2018 to gather information on what the community would like to see included in the design.

    This feedback was then provided to the design team to guide the development of the George T Fisher Nature Playground concept design.

    What are the key elements included in the concept design as a result of the public consultation?

    The following inclusions were made to the concept design as a result of the consultation:

    ·  A fully fenced area for younger children, and fencing all the way along Flinders Parade

    ·  All ability and inclusive play opportunities

    ·  Play areas targeted specifically to young and older children

    ·  A significant reduction in the use of sand

    ·  Water play features

    ·  More seating areas.

    Why is there still sand in the concept design?

    Sand is considered to be an important element of nature play. However, council acknowledges the strong feedback from parents. Instead of the entire playground being covered in sand, as is currently the case, a smaller sand pit area has been included with the draft concept design. This area provides creative and quiet play experiences, and is bordered by log and rock edging to retain the sand.

    The concept design also shows the use of a number of other surfaces including brick paving, mulch, grass, rubber surfacing, gravel paths and asphalt paths.

    When will the concept design be finalised?

    It is expected the concept design will be presented back to council for final endorsement in September. This will be followed by the construction tender process.

    When will the upgrade happen?

    It is expected the upgrade will be completed in the first half of 2019.

    How do I provide my feedback?

    Share your feedback on the draft nature playground concept design with council before 5pm on Thursday, 16 August 2018.

    Feedback can be submitted using the online form at www.yoursay.victor.sa.gov.au 

    Alternatively, a feedback form is attached to this information sheet and can be returned:

    ·  By post – PO Box 11, Victor Harbor SA 5211

    ·  By email – localgov@victor.sa.gov.au

    ·  In person – City of Victor Harbor Civic Centre, 1 Bay Road, Victor Harbor