What's Happening in Croydon, VIC…

Young users of a Croydon community centre will have a new play area thanks to a council redevelopment.

Work on the outdoor play space at the Wyreena Community Arts Centre began this month and is scheduled to be finished in a few weeks.

The new development, which is aimed at children under 12, will replace the current play area and has been designed following an extensive consultation with the community.

The consultation included a survey, two community events and the chance for Grade 2 children from the local school to put forward their own ideas of suitable equipment.

The project will cost $260,000 and is being funded by the Maroondah City Council, with extra money from the Victorian Government, which Maroondah Councillor Les Willmott said had allowed a bigger and better design.

The area includes traditional play equipment, as well as special sensory elements and interactive parts to help children explore art and sound.

As part of the work, new paths and landscaping will also be created and no trees will be removed to ensure the areas remains shaded.

Printing services have been used to create an information board featuring the design that will be in the foyer of the centre, where updates about the project could also be displayed.

The play area will be closed during construction, and the new play space should be open in mid-March.

The next opportunity to apply for assistance is expected to be in July this year.