Bark Hut playground renewal

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We are renewing the Bark Hut playground, replacing the equipment in the playground.

We complete regular inspections on our assets, including playgrounds. An asset requires renewal when it’s in poor to very poor condition, before it becomes unsafe.

Our annual budget process allocates funds for our renewal program and the Bark Hut playground is part of our 2026/2027 Budget.

As this is a renewal project the playground will have similar play features installed. 

We are currently in the planning stage. Once we know when works will be happening we will let you know the timeline for works.


FAQs

Are you able to upgrade this playground with new play elements, such as water play or flying fox?

No. This playground is due for renewal, which means it is ageing and needs replacing with similar play features and fun that it currently has. This is what our budget allows.

New playgrounds often rely on external funding.

A good example of a playground upgrade with new elements is the new Barwon River Adventure Play Space in Winchelsea. We teamed up with Sport and Recreation Victoria ($250,000 of funding) to deliver the playground.

We love the playground exactly how it is. Why do you need to replace it?

We know playgrounds are popular for both locals and visitors. 

We’ll retain the things that the community loves about the playgrounds, based on your input. We’ll do this while ensuring that we are meeting safety and accessibility standards.

Are there any major changes that need to occur?

We’re required to meet safety and accessibility requirements when we replace playgrounds. Soft fall rubber is an accessibility feature because it can accommodate wheelchairs.

We will replace the portions of the bark at this playground with soft fall rubber, to help foster an inclusive community.

There isn't much at this playground to suit the age of my child. Can you expand it to cater to a bigger age range?

While we aim to incorporate the below three age groups into playgrounds, we acknowledge that play elements for a particular age group might be limited as there isn’t enough space.

- Pre-school (2 to 4 years)
- Junior (5 to 8 years)
- Senior (9 to 12 years)

We’re fortunate to have various playgrounds across the Surf Coast, and we encourage you to explore what’s on offer to suit your child. For a list, visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/playgroundslist.

When do you expect the construction of the playground to take place?

After we appoint a contractor, we’ll let you know the construction timeframes.

The playground will be closed during this period.

I'd love for my local playground to be replaced. How do you determine which playgrounds are renewed?

We complete regular inspections on our assets, including playgrounds. An asset requires renewal when it’s in poor to very poor condition, before it becomes unsafe.

Our annual budget process allocates funds for our renewal program, with this playground renewal given the green light as part of the 2026-27 Budget.

If you have questions or concerns about another playground in the shire, please Lodge a Request with us.

Can you fence in any of these playgrounds when you replace them?

Full fencing around our playgrounds is only considered where there is extreme danger to users and in these occasions, playground relocation to a safer environment should be considered before full fencing.

Installation of fencing can impede the ease of access to playgrounds, and can limit where play activities can take place. Fencing can also discourage supervision and interaction with children.

Location

Inlet Crescent, Aireys Inlet   View Map

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