The Source: Calls for Fitzroy banana sculpture to be installed at Collingwood Park makeover

It hasn’t been seen for more than a year but there are calls to break a giant banana sculpture out of cold storage in order to rescue a Collingwood Park upgrade branded the city’s saddest.

Putting the squeeze on Victoria’s movers, shakers and headline makers.

Bring back the banana!

That’s what some in the people’s republic of Yarra are saying after the debacle of Melbourne’s “saddest playground.”

The revamped park in Cambridge St, Collingwood, revealed in the Herald Sun last week, features sculptural works including a flying jumper.

So why not bring back Yarra’s controversial banana artwork?

The yellow sculpture, formally known as Fallen Fruit, was the result of a Yarra grant via the Transport Accident Commission.

No, we don’t understand either.

The revamped Cambridge Reserve playground has been described as a prison yard. Picture Supplied

The banana was vandalised and then removed from its plinth on Rose St, Fitzroy, last year and last we heard it was in council storage somewhere.

But it’s not been forgotten. It even has its own X account @theyarrabanana

“Why isn’t there room for this lonely banana being held as a political prisoner!?!? I deserve freedom and the kids want to see me!’’ the account announced.

The good people of Melbourne want to see me again. Release me from my incarceration @YarraCouncil Storage is no place for a proud banana! #freetheyarrabanana#bananalivesmatterpic.twitter.com/tbdfvRrX1P

— The Yarra Banana (@theyarrabanana) July 17, 2023

Oh, and remember the banana was the subject of an offer from US TV host John Oliver who offered to pay Yarra $10, and an alligator statue in return.

You can’t make this stuff up.

The poor kids of Collingwood need a break.

At least the banana might give them a laugh.

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