Mount Alexander Shire Council is leading the way in innovative infrastructure, celebrating an industry award win for the Stanley Park North Play Space in Harcourt.
The LGPro Community Assets & Infrastructure Initiative ($5 million and under) is a prestigious award that recognises initiatives that benefit the community, showcases partnerships and manages community assets.
Council worked in partnership with the Harcourt community on the design and development of the play space, which sits in the centre of Harcourt.
The play space was designed by local landscape architects, Karoline Klein and Justine Image who developed a bepoke park especially for the Harcourt community.
The park includes a natural feel play space with established trees, accessible swings, a climbing wall, a wheelchair accessible carousel, and a rock and spinner.
Nature play elements include a timer footbridge and steps, pathways and climbing logs.
Creative elements include an oak leaf seat and apple star footstall which was crafted by a local artist.
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Manager of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, Karen Evennett, said that Council is honoured to win such a prestigious award.
“We’re proud that the hard work we put into the Stanley Park North Play Space has been recognised.
“We couldn’t have created such a beautiful and welcoming space without the community input that we received.
“We spoke to local primary school students to make sure the park reflected their wants and needs, which is evident in the huge tower slide we installed.
“This important consultation means that the park ultimately reflects what the community asked for – an accessible and fun space for children of all ages and abilities.
“Our community told us that minimising environmental impact was important to them. So we ensured the play space was nestled into the natural slope of the park, meaning that minimum earth works were required.
“Our community also told us that incorporating Harcourt’s unique character was important to them. We took this into consideration and included apple boxes in the space which is a nod to Harcourt’s apple farms.
“We’re proud of the Stanley Park Play Space, and how Council and the community worked together to create a space the benefits everyone.
“I’d like to thank the community working group for their contribution to this project and their help in consulting the wider community. Thank you to Tricia and Bryan Balmer, Veronica Budnikas, Kirshy McAinsh, Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns and Robyn Miller.
“Congratulations to everyone involved for their hard work and dedication in creating a thriving community space.”