New playspace at Benjafield Park officially opened!

The new playspace at Benjafield Park has been officially opened following a $1.2 million renewal project. The playspace refurbishment was funded by the recent sale of underutilised land to Homes Tasmania for the development of social and affordable housing. A bequest from the estate of a resident who lived all his life in nearby Gormanston Road were also used to purchase all-abilities and wheelchair suitable play equipment.

The revamped playspace features a We-Go Swing, which is suitable for wheelchairs, as well as a wheelchair spinner, to ensure it caters for children of all abilities. These pieces of equipment complement the rocket ship-styled towers, slides, a spinning orb, dual flying foxes, a seesaw rocker, and equipment specifically designed to be used as percussion instruments.

The equipment supports not just physical activity, but also aims to stimulate imagination and creativity through play in a safe and accessible space.

The expansion of the Council Car Park is underway with works scheduled to be completed by 23/24 financial year.

Thank you to community members who took part in choosing the design of this amazing new park!

JANUARY UPDATE: Supply Chain delays have setback the arrival of the Wee Go swing (accessible swing), which has unfortunately delayed the completion of the park. The opening of the playspace is now scheduled for early March, followed by the opening of the expanded car park.

Funding update: Glenorchy City Council is pleased to announce that part of this Glenorchy City Council playground renewal project was funded by a bequest from the estate of the late Reginald Webb – long-time Gormanston Rd resident and frequent visitor to Benjafield Park. This donation has funded the purchase and installation of the Wee Go Swing and the Accessible Spinner for the enjoyment of the Glenorchy Community.

OCTOBER UPDATE: The majority of play equipment has now been installed, with only a large inclusive wheel chair swing (‘We-Go-Swing’) left to arrive on site. The next month will see block retaining walls being installed, with new trees and concrete pathways to the perimeters. This will be followed by the installation of rubber softfall material which will be applied throughout the playground area, along with furniture and boundary fencing.

Upgraded carparking works will commence in November, achieving 15 new car spaces (including 2 DDA) and 3 bike racks.

Works are ahead of schedule and we are hoping to be ready for “take off” early in the new year.

AUGUST UPDATE: Works have commenced and are right on track for delivery this financial year. The Space Station is coming to life with new play equipment at Benjafield Park scheduled to start installation from early October.

After receiving 453 votes, the spaceship/rocket theme won with 57% percent of the votes. 🚀

The spaceship/rocket design has now been refined to incorporate some of the feedback and suggestions from the Community (as shown), with works planned to commence this week.

With works starting this week, this means that temporary fencing will be installed to the site and unfortunately access to the playground and carpark will no longer be available from today.

Planned works also require the realignment of the underground power, which means that power to the site will need to be temporarily disconnected (which means power to the BBQ’s and essential lighting will be impacted). We are waiting a date and timeframe from the Contractor as to when this will happen and how long for and will keep you all updated.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but we cannot wait to unveil the exciting new playground with you all! 🎉

If you would like to follow the progress of the new Benjafield Playspace, please like and follow our Facebook page or register for updates. Alternatively, please contact us via 6216 6800 or email us at gccmail@gcc.tas.gov.au.