Playground updates completed at Geelong waterfront park

One of Geelong’s most loved waterfront features, Poppy Kettle Playground, has re-opened following the installation of a new slide and the completion of maintenance works.

The playground, situated to the west of Cunningham Pier, is packed with children’s play equipment and picnic amenities, while also offering easy access to waterfront cafes, the City’s colourful bollard trail walk and the historic Carousel.

The maintenance work and installation of the new slide followed on from minor repair work earlier this year.

The playground is well known for the interactive Poppy Kettle water fountains and miniature statues, situated among a rock area.

This unique feature was inspired by the children’s book, ‘Voyage of the Poppy Kettle’ written by local author, Robert Ingpen, giving the park a magical quality and proving a source of attraction for many visiting children.

The interactive playground now includes a new tubular slide that winds down the hill, complementing a boat atop the sand pit, bouncers, a dragon emerging from the ground, a timber tower, swing, and a unique pyramid climbing net.

Additional waterplay elements feature over the summer months, ensuring the site will be a popular place to visit throughout the Christmas holidays.

City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Trent Sullivan stated “we thank community members for their patience through the repair phase and installation of the new slide.

“This space has long been regarded as one of Geelong’s premier playgrounds for locals and visitors alike.

“As a Council we’re pleased to be able to deliver upgrades and new additions to the space and look forward to families enjoying the facilities throughout summer and in the years to come,” he said.

City of Greater Geelong Councillor, Melissa Cadwell said Council is delighted to be able to deliver improvements to one of Geelong’s most popular play spaces, adding “the playground has forged a reputation over a long time as an ideal spot for families to meet and play.

“Along with catering for local families, the Poppy Kettle Playground attracts a lot of visitors due to its fantastic location overlooking Corio Bay.

“It was really important that we continued to provide up-to-date equipment and activities for a range of age groups.”

Poppy Kettle Playground is one of over 380 playgrounds across the City of Greater Geelong.

Image: City of Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken with local children at the reopening of Poppy Kettle Playground.