Barwon Heads Caravan Park playground upgrade design

Why are the playspaces being upgraded?

The existing playgrounds have reached the end of their useful life and require updating to meet modern safety, accessibility and operational standards.

Their replacement is identified as a priority in the Barwon Coast Caravan and Camping Parks Master Plan, which was finalised in 2023 following camper, community and stakeholder consultation.

Which playgrounds are included in the project? Where are they located in the Park?

The project includes the three play spaces within Barwon Heads Caravan Park:

• the playground to the west of the netball and tennis courts
• the play space to the east of the netball and tennis courts (around the basketball ring)
• the playground co-located with amenities block T4.

The playground near the netball and tennis courts is planned to be delivered in late 2026, followed by the T4 playground in late 2027.

Why are the playgrounds being delivered at different times?

The play spaces surrounding the netball and tennis courts will be delivered in stages.

• Stage 1 will deliver the new playground on the western side of the courts alongside the Barwon Heads Football and Netball Club redevelopment in late 2026, helping minimise disruption and coordinate construction activities.
• Stage 2 will complete the play space on the eastern side of the courts including the area around the basketball ring. Timing for this stage is yet to be confirmed and is anticipated to occur in 2027, subject to future planning and funding.

The second playground, co-located with amenities block T4, is expected to be delivered in late 2027.

Delivering the projects in stages allows Barwon Coast to coordinate works, make the most of the investment already occurring within the precinct and progressively create more connected, welcoming and functional spaces for families, park guests, sporting clubs and the wider community.

Why is the playground near the sporting facilities being upgraded now?

Construction is already underway in this area as part of the football and netball facilities redevelopment.

Coordinating the playground upgrade with this project will help minimise impacts on guests, avoid returning to the same area for another major construction period and make efficient use of the investment already occurring in the precinct.

What parts of the designs can feedback influence?

We sought feedback about the proposed playground designs, including:

– preferred play equipment and activities
– the suitability of the proposed layout
– opportunities for inclusive and accessible play
– seating and supporting facilities
– landscaping and connections with surrounding areas
– features that may be missing or could be improved.

The consultation is focused on refining the designs rather than whether the existing playgrounds should be replaced, as their replacement is already included in the adopted Caravan and Camping Parks Master Plan.

Will every suggestion be included?

It may not be possible to incorporate every suggestion.

Feedback will be considered alongside safety, accessibility, technical, operational, space, timing and budget requirements. We will share how the feedback influenced the final designs when the consultation findings are released.

Will the new playgrounds be accessible?

Accessibility and inclusive play will be considered as part of the design process.

The final designs will also need to comply with relevant playground safety and accessibility requirements and respond to the conditions and available space at each site.

Do you have any examples of previous playgrounds we could see?

Yes! We have already updated the playgrounds at Riverview Family Caravan Park and Breamlea Caravan Park – click through to have a look at them; some images have been included below for your information.

Why does the proposed design close part of the internal park road near the netball and tennis courts?

The proposed design includes the closure of a short section of the internal park road to create a larger, safer and more functional play space.

Closing this section of road would reduce vehicle movements immediately adjacent to the playground, improving safety for children and families. It would also allow the play space to expand, providing more room for play equipment, paths, seating, landscaping and places for families to gather.

We recognise this proposal may have implications for a small number of nearby Temporary Permit Holder (TMP) sites. Barwon Coast is consulting directly with the affected permit holders discuss the proposal as part of the design process.

Will Wadawurrung Culture be incorporated?

The designs will allow for cultural signage or interpretation to be added in the near future.

Any cultural content would be developed in collaboration with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners to respectfully share stories of Country and strengthen visitors’ connection to place.

When will construction begin?

The play space surrounding the netball and tennis courts will be delivered in stages.

• Stage 1 will deliver the new playground on the western side of the netball and tennis courts alongside the Barwon Heads Football and Netball Club redevelopment in late 2026, helping minimise disruption and coordinate construction activities.
• Stage 2 will complete the play space on the eastern side of the netball and tennis courts (the area around the basketball ring). Timing for this stage is yet to be confirmed and is anticipated to occur in 2027, subject to future planning and funding.

The second playground, co-located with amenities block T4, is expected to be delivered in late 2027

Timing remains subject to the completion of design work, relevant approvals, procurement, weather and site conditions.

How will construction affect caravan park guests?

Some construction noise, machinery and temporary access changes may occur while the playground works are underway.

Coordinating the first playground upgrade with the football and netball redevelopment will help avoid a separate period of major construction activity in the same area.

Guests and permit holders will be provided with further information before works begin.

How can I stay informed?

Project updates will be published on the Barwon Coast website and social media channels.

You can also subscribe to the Barwon Coast newsletter to receive updates about this and other projects.