HUNDREDS of volunteers are being marshalled in the final frenzied days of the campaign to build an adventure playground at Rye.
More than two years in the planning, the nautical-themed playground will be built by the community over five days beginning Wednesday 24 October.
Project coordinator Miranda Gillespie said there was a “last minute panic” to fill the rosters but the mood in Rye was “warm and fuzzy” and excited. “I can’t believe the time to build is actually here,” she said.
The Rye’s Up! Community Playground, designed by Leather Associates, a United States company that specialises in community-built playgrounds, will replace the playground on the foreshore near Rye pier.
The existing equipment will be removed today (Friday) and some of it reused at other Mornington Peninsula Shire reserves.
The new playground began to take shape more than two years ago when children were asked what their “dream playground” would look like. The nautical theme was adopted to suit the foreshore site.
The play equipment is from Seaford company All Play, and Rye hardware store Rattray and Walker is providing other supplies at a discount. Ms Gillespie said the support of southern peninsula businesses and community groups had been tremendous.
Volunteers are still being sought for the build, which will take place from Wednesday to Sunday next week. Ms Gillespie said about 100 people would be rostered for each four-hour shift. Building will begin each day at 8am and end about 8pm; meals will be provided and childcare is available.
“Headed up by team captains, skilled and unskilled workers will participate in all areas of construction, administration, food provision and childcare, with the team from Leathers overseeing the entire process,” she said.
To book a shift, contact Ms Gillespie and her crew on 0422 606 703, ryeplayground@gmail.com, or book on line at www.ryecommunityplayground.com
