Dubbo’s Victoria Park upgrades and reconfigures its play space

As part of the Victoria Park Masterplan, Dubbo Regional Council will strategically be relocating the play space to the centre of the park, alongside the Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre Pool Deck Kiosk as well as reconfiguring the existing Victoria Park play space to become a dedicated fitness zone ideal for independent fitness,

The much-loved Livvi’s play space in Victoria Park has served the community extremely well. However, the play equipment has reached the end of its recommended lifespan and requires replacement. The relocation of the play space to the centre of the park allows parents and carers to enjoy some refreshments while actively supervising their children.

Dubbo Region Mayor Stephen Lawrence said the new play space is an exciting upgrade of the previous amenity and advises “the new and improved play space will allow children of all ages and abilities to interact and socialise. The area also includes the nostalgic red rocket that has already been installed which I’m sure many residents young and old are looking forward to playing on.”

The new play space will have defined youth and junior play areas. The junior space will include an explorer dome for climbing, a ‘we hopper’ see saw, climbing and slide unit that includes musical play elements and games to improve gross motor skills. The youth space will include a custom climbing unit, a balance ring and in-ground trampolines, to name just a few elements.

Director Liveability, Skye Price said playground and new fitness node positioning has been strategically considered and notes “relocating play spaces a much safer distance from a roadway, adjacent to a large lawn area, enables construction of bigger playgrounds, with more play elements, improving immersive experiences, motor skills and enjoyment. Co-locating play spaces with a kiosk, will ensure greater convenience and enjoyment, for parents and carers.

“Reconfiguring the existing Victoria Park play space to become a dedicated fitness zone, will be ideal for independent fitness, as well as teams that use No 2 and 3 Ovals, for training purposes. Coaches can easily integrate equipment use into existing training regimes.”

The high-level fitness node will have cardio, strength and general fitness elements, including multiple cycling/sports bikes, cross trainer, weights (magnetic) and other exercise equipment. The elements will be suitable for all ages and stages of life, including seniors and those with disabilities.

Dubbo Regional Council have worked closely with the external providers to ensure all three spaces have been designed with the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play guidelines – How do I get there? Can I stay? Can I play?

The new play spaces and fitness node are expected to commence construction mid-October 2021 and be completed by early December 2021 weather and pandemic restrictions permitting.