A popular Braybrook playground will rise from the ashes next year after being cleared for take-off by Maribyrnong council.
The aircraft-themed Lance Reichstein playground at Skinner Reserve was recently demolished following a fire, deemed to be “suspicious”, on December 22.
Insurers are expected to provide about $500,000 of the total $743,400 to be allocated to the rebuilding.
Deputy mayor Catherine Cumming said that even before the fire, the old playground was looking tired. “It was built in 1999; the local community rallied around getting it built,” she said.
“Since the fire there has been great support [for a new one] and I’m really looking forward to this process.
“I’m hoping building will start soon and that the children will only go without a playground for 12 months.”
Cr Nam Quach said it was still disappointing that the popular play- ground had been lost to vandalism.
“Words can’t really express that people would do that to a community, but it’s a good opportunity to re-imagine this playground and renew this area,” he said.
Feedback on the plan will be sought in April ahead of a draft concept design in May, and further consultation will be carried out once designs are available.
The playground is expected to be completed by April next year.
