Dubbo Regional Council, New South Wales, has lift off for the new red rocket playground equipment, calling Victoria Park home for infinity and beyond!
The red rocket is a blast from the past for most of the community and aims to pay homage to the original rocket that was installed in the 1960s and removed around 1995.
The new ‘red rocket’ has been engineered to meet all current Australian standards for play equipment, it measures 8.8m tall and weighs a whopping 1.8 tonnes.
The rocket features three levels for children to climb plus a slippery slide and speaker tubes connecting the top flight deck to the ground.
Mayor, Stephen Lawrence said he was sure there would be many excited parents and even grandparents in the community.
“The rocket brings back a lot of happy memories for anyone who grew up in Dubbo in the 70s and is a reminder of playing in the great outdoors before technology overtly influenced our lives.”
The new ‘red rocket’ was a joint partnership with the Australian Government, under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI).
Local Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton MP, said, “Returning this much-loved piece of playground equipment to Victoria Park will be nostalgic for many in the Dubbo community whilst improving the social and emotional wellbeing of children.
“This is exactly the type of work the Australian Government is pleased to support – to create local job opportunities, while delivering lasting benefits.”
Local contractors Glenn Healey Constructions, were engaged to install the concrete footings and Macquarie Electrical to install a surprise electrical feature. Another local company, Mid State Cranes assisted RKR Engineering to install the rocket in its new pride of place as part of a the playground renewal project for Victoria Park that will be operational later in the year.
