Adventure playground experts Esme and Clem check out the $1.77m makeover and give their verdict.
By Catherine Watson
LIKE many locals, I've watched with interest over the past six months as Guide Park underwent a $1.77 million makeover, opening on schedule just in time for the summer holidays.
The old Guide Park was pretty bog standard – some swings and a plastic slide on a barren bit of ground. It looked pretty dreary to me though it seemed to get plenty of use.
I thought the new one looked interesting as it took shape … lots of big rocks and timber, nice hillocks (miniature versions of Birrarung Marr), shady trees, interesting shapes and textures, and lots of new planting.
LIKE many locals, I've watched with interest over the past six months as Guide Park underwent a $1.77 million makeover, opening on schedule just in time for the summer holidays.
The old Guide Park was pretty bog standard – some swings and a plastic slide on a barren bit of ground. It looked pretty dreary to me though it seemed to get plenty of use.
I thought the new one looked interesting as it took shape … lots of big rocks and timber, nice hillocks (miniature versions of Birrarung Marr), shady trees, interesting shapes and textures, and lots of new planting.
But the proof of a playground is in the playing. So when my neighbours’ grandchildren come to stay, I grab the chance to watch a couple of adventure playground experts test it out.
Esme is seven, Clem four. Their mother Claire supervises the visit with a light touch, letting them work things out for themselves.
Her first impressions: “The old playground was all plastic and metal surfaces. Lots of tan bark. It wasn’t conducive to playing and falling over. This is much better. I like the natural surfaces. There’s lots of shade and the area is fenced off from the road. It’s a great improvement.”
Esme is seven, Clem four. Their mother Claire supervises the visit with a light touch, letting them work things out for themselves.
Her first impressions: “The old playground was all plastic and metal surfaces. Lots of tan bark. It wasn’t conducive to playing and falling over. This is much better. I like the natural surfaces. There’s lots of shade and the area is fenced off from the road. It’s a great improvement.”
On a Saturday morning there are lots of families and children running in all directions yelling with excitement. But also mums and dads looking relaxed while their children play.
The attractions: the verdict
Mine shaft slide tower: A nod to Wonthaggi's mining history and the centrepiece of the park. The kids make a beeline for it and clamber up. Clem loves the big slide. "It's so cool!" There are so many unexpected bells and whistles on the tunnel that they are still discovering them at the end of the visit.
Sand bucket: The kid at the bottom of the tower fills a plastic bucket with sand and the kid at the top hauls it up. Unfortunately the metal chain on one side of the bucket is broken so the bucket is lopsided and most of the sand tips out. It doesn't seem to matter. Esme and Clem both find the sand bucket and chain fascinating. I have no idea why.
Megaphone: Messages exchanged from the top of the tower to the bottom. Another surprising favourite in an era of non-stop electronic communication.
Flying fox: Esme: “It’s not so fun because it’s not fast enough.” The girls are used to a much longer, faster flying fox at Olinda, close to their home.
Carousel: The favourite by far. Lots of energy expended by both girls in turning it. Sheer delight on Clem’s face. Clever design with little chance of catching little fingers or toes.
Parkour circuit: This tests them both. Silence as balance, jumping and climbing skills all get a workout.
Monkey bar: The foot bar is too low for Esme. She has to haul herself up one of the side poles to reach the monkey bars. She says another bar on the bottom would make it easier. We decide perhaps it’s intended for adults.
Mini trampoline: Not bouncy enough – at least not for Clem and Esme. They try to bounce with little success. It’s okay for me. You need a bit of weight to make it work.
Swings: Disappointing for Esme, a lover of swings: “There are no swings for big kids.” There are swings for little kids and a big swing, but Mum has to push it. Clem loves it. Esme is lukewarm to begin with but gets into the swing of things.
At the end of the visit I try to arrange a final family photo on top of a hillock under the shade of a tree. Clem is having none of it. After 90 minutes of high-octane play she's ready to crash.
Final verdict from our two reviewers: “It was so fun.” They'll be back.
The attractions: the verdict
Mine shaft slide tower: A nod to Wonthaggi's mining history and the centrepiece of the park. The kids make a beeline for it and clamber up. Clem loves the big slide. "It's so cool!" There are so many unexpected bells and whistles on the tunnel that they are still discovering them at the end of the visit.
Sand bucket: The kid at the bottom of the tower fills a plastic bucket with sand and the kid at the top hauls it up. Unfortunately the metal chain on one side of the bucket is broken so the bucket is lopsided and most of the sand tips out. It doesn't seem to matter. Esme and Clem both find the sand bucket and chain fascinating. I have no idea why.
Megaphone: Messages exchanged from the top of the tower to the bottom. Another surprising favourite in an era of non-stop electronic communication.
Flying fox: Esme: “It’s not so fun because it’s not fast enough.” The girls are used to a much longer, faster flying fox at Olinda, close to their home.
Carousel: The favourite by far. Lots of energy expended by both girls in turning it. Sheer delight on Clem’s face. Clever design with little chance of catching little fingers or toes.
Parkour circuit: This tests them both. Silence as balance, jumping and climbing skills all get a workout.
Monkey bar: The foot bar is too low for Esme. She has to haul herself up one of the side poles to reach the monkey bars. She says another bar on the bottom would make it easier. We decide perhaps it’s intended for adults.
Mini trampoline: Not bouncy enough – at least not for Clem and Esme. They try to bounce with little success. It’s okay for me. You need a bit of weight to make it work.
Swings: Disappointing for Esme, a lover of swings: “There are no swings for big kids.” There are swings for little kids and a big swing, but Mum has to push it. Clem loves it. Esme is lukewarm to begin with but gets into the swing of things.
At the end of the visit I try to arrange a final family photo on top of a hillock under the shade of a tree. Clem is having none of it. After 90 minutes of high-octane play she's ready to crash.
Final verdict from our two reviewers: “It was so fun.” They'll be back.