By Rowan Forster
A dilapidated playground in Gembrook will be transformed into a Parkour haven, paying homage to the viral – and often ridiculed – urban gymnastics sensation.
As part of the vision for the $1.5 million leisure park playspace and skate park overhaul, an open play area, multi-purpose hard court and splash pad will also be developed.
Parents in the township are currently travelling as far as Berwick and Pakenham to let their kids play in safe, modern parks.
Parkour, which involves traversing environmental obstacles by running, climbing or leaping, will be a marquee feature of the playground.
It will be funded by the Federal Government, the State Government and Cardinia Shire Council – each contributing $500,000.
Dylan Styles, a self-confessed Parkour enthusiast from Berwick, said he would drive to Gembrook to practice his movements if the designers “get it right”.
“All of the councils are quick to slap the Parkour label on their playgrounds these days, but it isn’t Parkour unless it challenges you, tests you and stretches you to your limits,” he said.
“It’s about moving in the fastest and most efficient manner possible.”
Considering the playspace is being constructed to cater for primary-school aged children, Mr Styles may be disappointed with the final plan.
The current area, which features a micro Puffing Billy train, has reportedly deteriorated over the past few years – forcing council to remove several pieces of equipment.
Federal MP Jason Wood said the Gembrook Community Group rallied tirelessly to have the park upgraded.
“I love the playground but everybody says it’s looking quite old and sad,” he said.
“Particularly with the bad news we’ve had about the Ranges Hotel, the town is in need of some good news and this is a great win for the community.
Mr Wood hopes the area will serve as a user-friendly play area for the prime tourist destination, with many Melbournians and overseas visitors stopping by the township en route to Puffing Billy Station.
Mother-of-two Jessica Lamendola said her children had quickly outgrown the current park.
“It was good but it became quite dilapidated quickly,” she said.
“There are a lot of young kids up there now, so we shouldn’t be missing out.
“A nice new playground will be great for Gembrook.”
The funding will be handed to Cardinia Shire, which will be responsible for overseeing the design process and subsequent development.
It is estimated the playspace will be complete in the second half of 2019.
