Two new accessible parks are now open to the public, with Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor Louise Bannister cutting the ribbon at both Seymour’s Heywood Hill Reserve and Chittick Park earlier this month.
Heywood Hill Reserve
The $228,000 Heywood Hill Reserve upgrade project aims to provide an accessible play space for the Seymour community.
Fully funded by the Mitchell Shire Council, the upgrades include several new additions to the reserve, including a dynamic play structure and active course, a triple swing set featuring a bird nest swing and spinner, a challenging rocker, imaginative play rocks, and a hoop-like frame swing with tripodal swing and tie rod.
Other additions include a level water sculpture, a climbing structure integrated with raised tire play, play hills with mud and a concrete edge for creative play, and an active course designed to challenge upper body strength.
Upgrades to the reserve include shaded seating, a new drinking fountain, an accessible picnic shelter, a green lawn, new paths, seatings, and plantings. The redesign also includes the removal of the existing fence to expand the play area, allowing for a more accessible, open, and welcoming environment.
A new fence along Morrison Crescent has also been constructed to ensure the safety of all users.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor Louise Bannister praised the council’s commitment to creating an inclusive and interactive space.
“The project’s completion marks a significant enhancement to Seymour’s recreational offerings, encouraging active and healthy lifestyles,” she said.
“This is a space where our children can thrive, and our community can come together.
“It not only provides a safe area for play but also enhances our community’s access to outdoor spaces designed for everyone.”
Chittick Park
Described as a cutting-edge, all-abilities play space, Chittick Park’s transformation has resulted in a vibrant and inclusive park that promotes active lifestyles and social connection.
Featuring state-of-the-art inclusive play equipment, the new play space includes a wheelchair-accommodating liberty swing, supportive swing seats, two nest swings, an accessible spinner, and a wheelchair rocking carriage.
The park also now includes shaded picnic shelters, seating, tree planting, widened paths, and an additional access point.
Ms Bannister expressed enthusiasm for the project’s completion.
“This play space is more than just a recreational area; it’s a place where barriers are removed, and inclusivity is embraced,” she said.
“Each of these features give opportunities for children, parents and adults with special needs to spend time with their peers, friends, and family in a space that doesn’t draw boundaries around people’s differing abilities.”
Council contributed $150,000 to the $900,000 project, with the remaining $750,000 coming from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
Ms Bannister thanked the State Government’s contribution to the project.
“We are immensely proud of this project and grateful for the substantial support from the Victorian Government. It exemplifies our commitment to creating spaces where everyone belongs,” she said.
“This project is an investment in our community’s future, supporting both physical and social development.”
