Planning the future of play: KidsTown consultation begins

At the August Council Meeting, Council committed to a comprehensive community engagement process to shape the Master Plan, ensuring future investment and site improvements reflect community needs and aspirations. A budget allocation of $650,000 (excluding GST) was also approved for the 2025/26 financial year to deliver necessary rehabilitation works in collaboration with key stakeholders.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Shane Sali, said Council wanted to reassure the community that works on the project would not commence until the community were given the chance to have their say.

“The consultation will provide plenty of opportunities for the community to contribute their ideas and have input at each stage of the project, including before any works begin”.

“The revitalisation project is about preserving the spirit of KidsTown while ensuring it remains safe, inclusive and inspiring for generations to come. The playground is part of the social fabric of our region and a part of many childhoods, including my own”, Cr Sali said.

Phase One of the engagement process will run from 12 September to 31 October 2025 and will give residents the chance to share their views on the remediation process and the timing of the removal of non-compliant equipment, helping project teams plan with community feedback in mind.

Consultation activities in Phase One will include on-site Information Sessions at KidsTown, along with online feedback opportunities through Council’s Shaping Greater Shepparton platform.

The Information Sessions will be held at KidsTown on the following dates:

Session 1: Tuesday 23 September, drop in between 11am and 1pm
Session 2: Thursday 2 October, drop in between 4pm and 6pm

Council encourages everyone, including both past and future users of KidsTown, to get involved and help shape a destination that reflects the values and needs of the Greater Shepparton community.

Phase Two will include pop-up information sessions and targeted workshops with schools and community groups.

For more information and to participate, visit shepp.city/kidstown.