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

The mayor’s daughter has petitioned Geelong council to upgrade an $800,000 playground, claiming it excludes toddlers from using key equipment safely.

Paris Kontelj with daughter Nellie, 19 months, and Sean Kearney with daughter Clementine, 2, at Drewan Park, where the slide is impossible for young children to access and the sandpit in disrepair. Picture: Alison Wynd.

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 – and the developer behind the project says he wanted to spend more.

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 the 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, entirely funded by the latter.

“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.”

The slide in question. Picture: Alison Wynd.

Ms Kontelj, an estate resident who has a 19-month-old daughter, said local children deserved to have a safe and engaging place to play.

She said the playground didn’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 by Villawood to construct Drewan Park.

Villawood boss Rory Costelloe said his company was required to contribute $1.5m to council’s recreation levy as part of the Wandana development.

He said he wanted to spend the entirety of that to upgrade Drewan Park, but council wasn’t on board.

“We negotiated with the council to allow us to spend half the money on Drewan Park rather than have it go into general revenue – then we delivered the best park we could with that budget,” Mr Costelloe said.

“Some of the equipment is challenging for kids but we believe playgrounds should be challenging to encourage kids to want to use them regularly and to stay active.

“If council wants more equipment, it could use the funds we gave.”

This metal hook was visible in the Drewan Park sandpit on Wednesday. Picture: Alison Wynd

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