Kingston Park $7m playground completion delayed due pandemic, not likely to open until February 2021

A southern Tasmanian playground currently under construction – which has been tipped to become the state’s best play precinct – has had its completion date pushed back to next year. FIND OUT WHY >>

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IT’S been tipped to become the state’s best playground, but the coronavirus pandemic has now delivered a significant blow to its expected completion date.

Work began in late January on a massive playground at Kingston Park, with Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter previously tipping it would give Launceston’s popular Riverbend Park playground a run for its money as the state’s new “best” play precinct.

Artist impressions of the new playground currently under construction at Kingston. Picture: SUPPLIED

The $7 million development was expected to be ready for public use in November and would feature a parkour zone, basketball court, children’s play equipment and picnic areas.

But, a response to a question on notice for next Monday’s council meeting from deputy general manager Tony Ferrier revealed the project would now not be completed until 2021.

Mr Ferrier said the coronavirus situation in Melbourne had created many uncertainties, but the project team was constantly reviewing issues and trying to speed up completion of the playground.

Twins, Emelia and Finlay Westwood of Blackmans Bay were excited about the beginning of construction of the new playground at Kingston back in January. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“At this stage, it appears the playground will not be able to be completed until early next year — probably early February,” he said.

“The main reason for the delay is the COVID-19 pandemic is preventing the delivery from Melbourne of all the bespoke playground equipment.

“These include the flying fox, climbing frame urchin, water play leaf structure, interactive pole flower structure and butterfly sculptures. These items are being fabricated and transported to Tasmania on specially fabricated trailers by the installation team.”

Wet weather, the pandemic and labour issues have also contributed to a delay in the construction of the equipment.