Paris Kontelj leads charge to upgrade ‘impractical’ new playground for young children

The mayor’s daughter has petitioned Geelong council to upgrade a relatively new $800,000 playground, forcing her father and uncle to briefly excuse themselves from the chamber.

The slide at Drewan Park is inaccessible to many young children, a petition claims. Picture: Supplied.

The mayor’s daughter is leading the charge to have a playground that was “certain to be a hit” upgraded, claiming the current offerings are impractical for many children.

Paris Kontelj’s petition was tabled at Geelong council’s meeting on Tuesday night, but not before her dad, mayor Stretch Kontelj, and uncle, Hamlyn Heights ward councillor Eddy Kontelj, excused themselves from the chamber, having earlier declared a conflict of interest.

The petition relates to Drewan Park playground that opened in late 2020 within the Wandana Heights estate developed by Villawood Properties.

The playground was an $800,000 joint project between council and Villawood.

“Although the playground is relatively new, it has very limited play equipment suitable for young children,” the petition states.

“Its main feature, a large slide accessed by a complex rope climbing structure, is not appropriate or safe for toddlers and younger children, who are unable to use it independently or confidently.”

Ms Kontelj said children within the estate deserved a safe and engaging place to play, claiming the playground doesn’t meet the needs of many children, forcing families to travel outside the area to find more inclusive play spaces.

Drewan Park playground opened five years ago. Picture: Supplied.

The petition calls for City Hall to install an age appropriate play structure designed for children aged 2–5 years, and the addition of a smaller, accessible slide that young children can use safely.

“These updates would make a huge difference for local families encouraging outdoor play, community connection, and inclusive fun for children of all ages,” it states.

Paris and Stretch Kontelj following this year’s Run4Geelong. Picture: Mark Wilson.

BC Garden was contracted to construct Drewan Park and in December 2020 Villawood promoted the project on its website.

“In addition to the playground gear, it features extensive plantings, a great path network, picnic and barbecue facilities, a new shelter, rest rooms and space enough for kids to run all day,” it said.

Council’s website highlights Drewan Park’s “tremendous walking tracks and spectacular 360 degree views over Geelong and surrounds”.

“Drewan Park is the perfect family day out, with its sloping hills, BBQ facilities and children’s playground,” it states.

Originally published as Paris Kontelj leads charge to upgrade ‘impractical’ new playground for young children