A new local playground has been installed and the Leopold Tennis Pavilion Redevelopment project, situated at the Leopold Memorial Reserve on the corner of Melaluka Rd and Bellarine Hwy, continues to progress.
The existing playground was deconstructed and donated to the Rotary Overseas Recycled Playgrounds (RORP) program, which has now sent over two hundred playgrounds overseas to developing countries. These destinations include Fiji, Egypt, India, Mongolia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Timor Leste, and Vanuatu.
Specifically, the former Leopold Recreation Reserve Playground is earmarked for Angeles, Philippines, as part of a larger shipment of 14 playgrounds, where they will be reinstalled by the local Rotary & Lions Clubs there.
The new playground installed at the south end of the reserve as a part of the Leopold Tennis Pavilion Redevelopment project, which was funded in the City’s 2022/23 budget as part of the Leopold Tennis Pavilion Redevelopment project, features colours selected to blend harmoniously with the natural environment.
Its new location at the south end was determined through consultation with users of the reserve, maintaining its proximity to the existing sporting club rooms.
Project construction commenced with the demolition of the old pavilion just before the end of last year, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the reserve.
The new upgraded facility will feature:
- a social space
- kiosk/kitchen
- internal and external storage
- female-friendly club amenities including showers
- toilets and accessible public toilet
- an accessible car bay
The upgrade was made possible thanks $1 million from Victorian Government’s Sport and Recreation 2022 – 23 Local Community Sport and Recreation Projects fund and $720,000 contributed by the City of Greater Geelong.
During the redevelopment process, existing public toilet facilities will remain available, with demolition scheduled upon the completion of works.
Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan
The Leopold Memorial Reserve is not only used by local tennis enthusiasts, but it also serves local families too.
So, it is wonderful to see that the new playground has been installed and I trust it will be well used by the community for years to come.
Councillor Jim Mason
Ensuring there is adequate access to open spaces, play spaces and parks across the Bellarine ward is a high priority for Council.
Small local playgrounds play a vital role in fostering community cohesion and providing safe spaces for children to play, explore, and interact with their peers.
These types of playgrounds at reserves not only promote physical activity and healthy development but also serve as gathering points for families.
The Leopold Tennis Pavilion Redevelopment project will be complete in August.
