Future of Hawthorn playground rocket sorted
A decision has been made on plans to remove a much-loved Hawthorn playground “rocket” deemed a safety risk.
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A popular playground “rocket” in an inner city park has been saved.
Local residents and visitors to Hawthorn’s Central Gardens had rallied to the rescue of the heritage rocket after Boroondara Council announced it might remove it for safety reasons.
Safety audits confirmed problems, but following a community consultation the council has opted to retain the landmark structure within a redeveloped playground.
However, the rocket will be removed temporarily from the site for rectification works such as new concrete footings to ensure it complies with play equipment standards.
Known locally as Rocket Park, the gardens are very popular with locals and students from nearby Swinburne University.
More than 9000 people signed a petition to save the rocket.
Glenferrie ward councillor Wes Gault said the council was delighted with the community’s input into the decision.
“(It was) feedback which influenced not only the retention and upgrading of the rocket, but a whole new playground design, now based on a lunar theme,” he said.
“While many councils in Victoria have destroyed these rockets or removed them from
playgrounds, the City of Boroondara has found a way to keep its rocket for many generations
of children to enjoy.”
“The new play area to be provided will improve access for children and carers from many abilities. We believe we need to provide more exercise and play options in
our open spaces for everybody to enjoy.”
The rocket’s repair works will also include replacing rubber surfaces, adding a side ladder for better access, providing more standing space and increasing the circular openings between each platform.
The council said the works will minimise the risk of injury or fall, stop limbs getting stuck and generally allow better access for children.
The changes will not affect the rocket’s well-known features or its local heritage value as the last of its kind operating in metro Melbourne.
The new playground design will be on display.
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