Aeroplane Park takes flight
Published on 31 July 2017
Braybrook’s much-loved Aeroplane Park, which tragically burnt to the ground in December 2015, is set to rise from the ashes in time for summer.
Retaining the theme of flight, the new playground will create a regional destination for Braybrook and provide a fantastic community focal point for the neighbourhood.
Following an extensive consultation period with the local community to re-imagine the new playground, the final design was endorsed by Council in late 2016
The design of the new space has retained a strong theme of flight, journey and travel and will offer a variety of play experiences and challenges for all ages.
Key elements of the new playground include a giant steel aeroplane which will have swings underneath the wings; a tall ‘Traffic control’ play structure; terminal with seating, plane rockers and baggage carousel; sea-saws at tail of the plane; double flying fox; palm island with clambering rocks; spinner; and low bridge feature with tunnel and slide.
Other features of the space include exercise equipment, open lawn areas; scooter and trike track; an upgraded community garden and picnic area.
Local designers BigFish, who designed the original wooden aeroplane structure that was destroyed in the fire, were commissioned to design and create key elements of the new aeroplane structure.
Based in Footscray, BigFish specialises in the delivery of sculptural forms and play spaces and are behind a number of iconic structures in our city, including Mimi the Australian Muttaburrasaurus at Cruikshank Park in Yarraville.
“Working closely with Council, we set out to design a unique and iconic play structure to mark Braybrook which honoured the theme of flight in memory of the former park – which clearly meant a lot to so many,” said Chris Goff from BigFish.
“The wings are inspired by classic aluminium planes like the Douglas DC-3, with just enough detail for kids to imagine that they may have flown once upon a time.
“Over the last few weeks we have been working on bringing the enormous metal wings to life and are thrilled with how they are coming together. There are 1596 aluminium rivets in the tops of the wings alone, and a ‘registration number’ featuring the postcode of Braybrook and the year. It’s been a lot like building a giant model aeroplane.
“The park will also include a ‘pole maze’ which features paper plane wind vanes and instructions for children to fold their own. One of the planes is the world record holder for distance, so we may have to hold a competition to see if anyone can beat it.
The $1.14 million dollar project is funded in part by the Victorian Government’s Community Crime Prevention Program with a grant of $205,000 from the Public Safety Infrastructure Fund.
A word from the Mayor
“The destruction of the ‘Aeroplane Park’ was a truly tragic event…it clearly held such a special place in the hearts of so many - including myself.
“Over the last few months we’ve been liaising with the local community and working hard on plans to rebuild the playground and are thrilled that construction on this amazing new park has commenced!
“We are confident this new park will provide a stunning focal point for the local community; a place to come together to play, socialise and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
Maribyrnong News
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