THE much-anticipated $350,000 upgrade to Beachport’s Susan Memorial Playground is nearing completion and will open to the public for the Easter long weekend.
Wattle Range Council chief executive Ben Gower said although works were continuing at the foreshore playground, construction would stop over the Easter period to allow children to use the equipment.
Mr Gower said the front fence was yet to be installed, but expected works to be completed by the Beachport and Rivoli Bay Lions Club in the immediate future.
“Everything is on track for a soft launch for next Thursday, but we will do an official launch to thank Member for Barker Tony Pasin for the Federal Government grant funding and the Lions Club for doing the barbecue areas and front fence,” he said.
“Our goal was to make sure the playground was open before Easter and we are nearly there, so we will open over the Easter period and then close it again to do those final works.”
Community members were invite to vote for a preferred playground from five shortlisted designs, with an overwhelming response for a wooden ship in a nod to the town’s rich maritime history.
The project was funded by a $200,000 grant through the Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program as well as a council contribution.
Young visitors to council’s coastal towns during the upcoming school holiday period will be entertained with the launch of the Rivoli Bay Jetties Junior Fishing Competition.
The inaugural event will run from noon on April 13 until 3pm on April 17 and includes three age categories, including five years and under, six to 12 years and 13 to 17 years. Registrations for the competition open on April 12 at the Beachport Recreation Centre and a briefing and workshop, including advice on how to cast, baiting, handling tackle, water safety and FishWatch from 10am to 2pm.
Participants will receive a laminated angler card and will be required to take a clear photo of the fish against a brag mat.
Winners will be announced on April 17 at a presentation to be held at the Beachport Hotel at 4pm.
School holiday events will also be held at other areas across the council region, including craft activities, virtual reality sessions and giant games.
The Millicent Library will host a build your own wooden plane session from 10am on April 13. Children will have an opportunity to design a flower pot at the Millicent Library and Penola School Community Library on April 13 from 2pm to 3.30pm.
The Millicent Gymnastics Club will host a two-hour come and try event on April 14 at 10am and 1pm.
Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting the Millicent Visitor Information Centre on 87 33 0904.
The Penola Town Square will come alive on April 14 with virtual reality googles, books and bubbles at an event from 10am to noon.
Glencoe residents will have an opportunity to try the virtual reality goggles and craft activities at an event on April 15 from 10am, followed by giant games and a virtual reality goggle session at the Furner Hall from 2pm.
Wattle Range Council Development Services director Emma Clay said the events were the first of many school holiday programs planned.
“We intend to grow this program of activities across Wattle Range each school holidays to engage with our younger members and their families and communities,” she said.
“These activities provide the youth of our community with important opportunities to engage, socialise and explore together.”
Visit wattlerange.sa.gov.au to view the full program of activities.
Contact Wattle Range Council at council@wattlerange.sa.gov.au or 8733 0900 for more information.
