Community
10 May, 2024
Big plans for Lions Club
CAMPERDOWN’S Lions Club have officially begun the process of fundraising for a very big project.
The club launched a project to construct an all abilities play space at Apex Park, Camperdown last month.
Lions Club president Andy Riordan said the club was “proud” to announce the commencement of fundraising for stage one of the play space.
“In 2022, Skylar Carpenter, a former member of the Lions Club and a childcare worker, had first-hand experience as to how inaccessible playgrounds in Camperdown were for wheelchair users,” he said.
“As a member of Lions, Skylar proposed a plan that an inclusive play space be created, including wheelchair accessible play equipment at the Apex Park playground in Camperdown.”
The first stage is to install an all-abilities carousel, with an estimated cost of $74,182.
The club has committed $10,000 of its own funds towards the project and has been planning a variety of fundraising ventures alongside seeking grant opportunities.
Mr Riordan said there were four main areas the steering committee for the project considered.
These were the need for an all-abilities play space in Camperdown, the costs involved with the project, consultation with Corangamite Shire Council, and fundraising opportunities.
“The Lions Club believes that the development of an all-abilities playground at Apex Park will support council’s obligations for inclusive and integrated resources,” Mr Riordan said.
“An inclusive playground is designed to develop the physical, cognitive, sensory and social skills of people of all abilities. It provides space and play activities for people with or without disability to play together.
“The club, in conjunction with the Corangamite Shire has discussed the process of planning for future additions to the all ability play space.
“It is the aim to develop the area in stages and include equipment that would be suitable for people of all abilities.”
Stage two will be the construction of a play space for seniors and other ages, which will include an exercise unit which assists with agility.
Stage three will be the installation of an in-ground trampoline, while stage four will be the incorporation of sensory equipment.
The play space will be installed near the barbecue area towards the Manifold Street entrance to the park.
Corangamite Shire Council provided a letter of support to the Lions club last month, wishing them “all the best” in securing funding for the project.
“Corangamite Shire Council values and supports the work of the Lions Club of Camperdown in providing a space for residents and visitors of all ages and all abilities to partake in active and passive play,” the letter said.
“Council supports the application from the club to secure funding to support delivery of an all abilities carousel at the play space.
“The club have taken a proactive approach in seeking funding to further enhance the play equipment available for all abilities in the play space.”
“The application supports the objectives in Corangamite Shire’s Recreation and Open Space Strategy of increasing participation in active or passive, unstructured and structured sport and recreation for all ages and abilities.”
Steering committee member Maree Belyea said, with council’s endorsement, the club will work in conjunction with Corangamite Shire Council to pursue funding opportunities.
