By Tyler Wright
Families in the Dandenong Ranges are now able to enjoy a refurbished playground at Belgrave Lake Park Cottage (BLPC) after fundraising efforts and a grant from the state government’s Living Local Fund.
The Belgrave Lake Park Playgroup officially launched the major playground upgrade, including a play unit in the shape of a clipper boat and triple swing set, on Saturday 29 July.
BLPC Playgroup president Jessica Nicholson said the cottage has had a “special place” in many people’s lives.
“The old play equipment [was] a very enjoyable cobble together of different donations, the men’s shed helped us with some of it, but these things do have a lifespan,” Ms Nicholson said.
“In order to make sure that we kept the cottage really safe and really fun, the upgrade really was necessary.
“Over Covid things didn’t get played with in the same way, things stayed idle a little bit, so it’s nice to have a reason for people to come back to the cottage.”
The total cost of the playground upgrade was $45,600, funded partially by a $22,000 Living Local Fund grant from the state government received in 2022 and the remaining $23,600 raised by BLPC Playgroup and party venue through memberships, parties and fundraising events.
Following on from a vote by attendees at the launch, the clipper was christened Barky Boat, with Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino smashing a piñata in the shape of a giant Moet bottle on the side of the boat to officially launch the upgrade.
“Playgroups are vitally important community groups connecting parents and little ones together,” Ms De Martino wrote on social media after the event.
“Here’s to another 30 years for this thriving playgroup!”
Ms Nicholson said there was upwards of 250 members, non members and people in the community that came past the venue on launch day.
“We have at least two parties every weekend that come through the cottage, but it does mean that we’re able to create a much more solid offering for kids that come through, plus making sure that we know that it’s really safe, it’s really hardy, something that will keep going.
“The equipment should last another 30 years, and we’ve been able to take the opportunity while we’re doing that equipment launch, to give the cottage itself a little bit of an upgrade and make it a little bit more of an inclusive, relaxing, clean space [for] parents.”
BLPC Playgroup is a not-for-profit, volunteer run organisation that has been in operation for over 30 years.
“We’re so lucky in the Yarra Ranges; there is a lot of parks around, but having a park that’s fully fenced, that has tea and coffee facilities, we’re really expecting a big influx in membership,” Ms Nicholson said.
“We’ve got about 70 families that are members with us at the moment but we are expecting there to be even more playgroups and even more friendships built around that cottage, so it’s really nice to be part of the memory making component of that.”
Belgrave Lake Park Cottage is located at 29 Park Drive in Belgrave.
For more information, visit https://belgravelakeparkcottage.com.au/playgroup/
