Multimillion-dollar playground construction begins in state’s South

This new southern playground is tipped to give Launceston a run for its money as the state’s new “best” play precinct.

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

CONSTRUCTION is under way on a playground in the state’s south, with the mayor tipping it will give Launceston a run for its money as the state’s new “best” play precinct.

Kingston twins Finlay and Emelia Westwood, 9, said they “got really excited” about the prospect of a new neighbourhood playground with a flying fox and water features.

“Now we won’t have to go over the bridge to go to a good playground,” Finlay said.

“I think it would also be a good place for birthdays because it would be so big (with) lots of room to run around,” said Emelia.

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

Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter said the $6 million Kingston development has been over a decade in the making after Kingston High school’s relocation left a “blank canvas”.

“We’re building what is likely to be the best playground in Tasmania, which is going to be really exciting,” he said. “It’s going to take most of the year to actually build it, so people have to wait a little bit longer before they can use it, but we think it’d be well worth the wait.”

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Though the park would not be quite as large as the colossal Riverbend Park playground at North Bank in Launceston, Mr Winter insisted it would be “better”.

“As parents, you want to be able to go somewhere where your 12-year-old can find something to do as well as your two or four-year-old,” he said.

He said the playground is expected to be ready for public use in November, including a parkour zone, basketball court, children’s play equipment and picnic areas.

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