Braybrook’s new Aeroplane Park ready for take off

Published on 28 October 2017

Braybrook’s much-loved Aeroplane Park, which was tragically destroyed by a fire in December 2015, was officially reopened today by State Member for Footscray, Marsha Thomson and Maribyrnong Mayor, Cr Catherine Cumming.

The new playground has retained the flight theme of the original playground and offers a variety of play experiences and challenges for all ages.

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 with construction commencing in September this year.

Key elements of the new playground include a giant steel aeroplane which has 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.

Footscray designer BiGfiSh, which designed the original wooden aeroplane structure that was destroyed in the fire, designed and and create key elements of the new steel aeroplane structure.

Along with the new playground, the rebuilt park includes exercise equipment, open lawn areas, a scooter and trike track, an upgraded community garden and a picnic area.

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, Cr Catherine Cumming:

“The sudden loss of the former Aeroplane Park just days before Christmas was truly devastating for the whole community.

“Over the last couple of years we’ve been liaising with the local community, fundraising and working hard with local designers on plans to rebuild the playground.

“From the very beginning 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 playground. We also wanted to ensure it offered a variety of play experiences and challenges for all ages.

“We are very proud of the final result and are excited to be opening it in time for summer for the whole community to enjoy!”

Maribyrnong News

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