Community
1 August, 2025
Open for play
THE young and young at heart can now enjoy an exciting new playground thanks to this week’s completion – and opening – of the Port Fairy Skate and Play.
Built at a cost of just over $2.5 million, the new play space is already proving popular, with families making a special trip within hours of barriers coming down on Wednesday morning.
Local mother of two, Melanie Macilwain, was among several who ventured to the playground on Wednesday with her two boys, Hugh (5) and Jack (3).
“This is just amazing,” she said.
“It’s such a great play area for children of all ages, and teens and adults will no doubt make full use of the gym equipment installed as well.
“This will be a great place for friends to meet and people on holidays will all come here with their kids. No doubt it’ll become a focal meeting point in our town.”
Three year-old Jack, who was quick to test out the play equipment with his older brother, said he was excited that the playground was now open.
“The flying fox is my favourite,” he said. “But the swings are really good too and I like climbing.”
Teenage skateboarding enthusiast, Hudson, said he too was excited to “finally” see the skate park open.
“I watched the last skate park get knocked down and that was pretty sad,” he said.
“I’ve been coming down here nearly every day to watch the construction works and I couldn’t wait to bring my board down here today (Wednesday) to try it all out.
“It’s really good; they’ve done a great job and I’m sure it will get really busy here especially during school holidays and over summer.”
Also pleased to see the barriers come down this week was Ashley Crow who spent some time at the playground with young granddaughter, Bronte.
“This is pretty special,” he said. “I’m sure kids of all ages will have an absolute ball here. The skate park is great for them all, and I’m sure the teens will have fun in the (skate) bowl.”
Barbecue and toilet facilities, along with a phone recharging station are also included in the area, adding to the family-friendly atmosphere.
The tender for the project was awarded to Convic for Design and Construct in June 2024.
Council allocated $1.7 million to complete the play space and skate park, while Sport and Recreation Victoria contributed a further $1 million.
