Whether they are flying like superheroes on the swings or walking the perilous rope bridge careful not to fall into the crocodile infested waters below, children need spaces to play and grow.
And what better place than the neighbourhood park?
Playing helps children to develop strong motor skills and boosts their creativity and imagination, as they interact with the world around them.
It is for this reason that play spaces throughout Latrobe City are undergoing necessary upgrades.
Newborough residents Darren and Samantha North couldn’t be more thrilled by the developments at their local Hearn Park (adjacent to Henry White Reserve) which give their son Hudson more space to play.
“It’s much better,” Samantha said surveying the changes in her first visit to the new facilities.
“We only live up the road so we come to the park often.”
Darren agreed, “It’s better than before. The park is twice as big, there are more things to do and if more kids are here they can all play.”
The Hearn Park upgrade included the installation of a new play unit (including double slide and bird’s nest swing), new paths and park furniture; and new trees.
“It’s too much fun,” said 3-year-old Hudson, diving down the double slide – his favourite new feature of the park.
“Everybody wants a double slide!”
Latrobe City Council is in the second year of its five year Play Space Improvement Plan, with parks at Nindoo Drive, Morwell; Angela Court Reserve, Morwell; Bond Park, Traralgon; Wood Park, Traralgon; Flynn Reserve; Jeeralang Avenue, Newborough; HG Stoddart Memorial Park, Moe and Stoddart Street Reserve, Moe also upgraded this financial year.