Kids ready to play
Kingborough seeks $5m loan to fund vision
A SOUTHERN council has committed to borrowing $5 million to build its self-proclaimed best playground in Tasmania.
Kingborough Council voted on Monday night to seek an interest-free loan from the State Government to fully fund the playground.
Kingborough Council has already secured $6 million in interest-free government loans for projects at Kingston Park, $2.1 million of which will be used to construct the first stage of the project.
The council is seeking to borrow a further $2.9 million to complete the playground.
As well as play equipment for younger children, the loans will fund flying foxes, bike paths, half-court basketball, street skate parkour and public open space with exercise stations and an amphitheatre.
“The vision is to build the best playground and parkland precinct in Tasmania right here at Kingston Park,” Mayor Dean Winter said.
“Council is confident that this is the right move and that the playground is a critical element in the overall Kingston Park vision.
“I can’t wait to see kids in Kingborough, who helped us design this playground, come and enjoy it.”
An online council poll showed overwhelming support, with 86 per cent of respondents supporting the council’s decision to seek the loan. The majority surveyed also gave high star ratings for the final design.
Local mum Alison Roebuck said a large playground, open parkland and community gathering place were desperately needed in Kingborough.
“Most families currently travel outside of Kingborough to visit playgrounds in other municipalities,” she said.
“This is an amazing investment in the future of Kingborough, it will be highly beneficial and treasured by our community.”
A Traders In Purple spokesman — the developers behind the $300 million Kingston Park project — said the company welcomed the initiative to create a community playground to encourage families to enjoy the park and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Neighbouring council the Huon Valley has also started public consultation on a new design to replace the playground at Huonville foreshore. Two play huts, a connecting bridge, fireman’s pole, ‘bean stalk’ climbing bar, slide and scramble net have been included in the concept plan to replace the current playground.