George T Fisher Playground – Foreshore, Flinders Parade, Victor Harbor
The George T Fisher Nature Playground (also known as the GT Fisher Playground or the Train Park) has always been a popular one in Victor Harbor. After community consultation it was totally revamped into a nature playspace, which was completed in June 2019.
The playground is located opposite the Warland Reserve, right near the causeway to Granite Island.
The playground is another great collaboration design concept between Peter Semple Landscape Architects (PSLA) and Climbing Tree. Great work by Climbing Tree and Landscape Construction Services in the construction of the play equipment, with some amazing carvings by Allan Sumner. This is the same team who brought to life Morialta Nature Playground.
Fenced & Unfenced Areas
There are three sections of the playspace, with one area of the playground fully fenced off; while the rest of the playground is situated in the open area beside the lawn. The third part is the beloved old steam locomotive train which retired here in December 1963 – an initiative of former Victor Harbor Mayor, George T Fisher.
There are some great animal carvings like a pelican and penguin to look out for in the seaside themed playground.
Just be aware that this structure, pictured above and below, joins the fenced playground with the unfenced play area. It would be difficult for a small toddler to climb up the pole to ‘escape’ as such but it’s there for any avid climbers. A child may also go down the pole into the fenced area, and then be unable to come out again without being let out by the gate.
There are many different climbing structures, all made from timber, rope and metal slides. The design invites imaginative play amongst children.
There is a sand and water play area in the fenced playground, and there are benches to sit on.
This area features a bridge below.
The old train is still there – the only thing left from the old playground when it was revamped. You can still climb up into the train to ‘drive’ it.
There is a variety of different swings with soft fall flooring under these. The rest of the playground is bark chips, apart from the sand pit. A pathway does link to the swings area, but generally this playspace is not really suitable for wheelchairs.
There are materials there to build a nature fort.
The playground is generally suited to younger children from toddlers to around 12 years old. Older kids may like to try their luck with the balancing beams.
Facilities at GT Fisher Playground
- Climbing equipment
- Large train to climb on board
- Swings
- Toilets situated next to the playground
- One section is fully fenced
- Grassy area for picnics
- Filtered water available around the corner of the building next to the playground
- Seating
- Picnic Shelters
- BBQs
- Beach access
- Norfolk pine trees provide welcome shade
- There are many cafes, restaurants and fast food outlets within walking distance of the playground
Exploring Victor Harbor playgrounds
There are a number of great little playgrounds along the foreshore at Victor Harbor, so if you have a bit of time on your hands you could do a bit of a ‘playground hop’.
11 minute walk approx. to Victor Harbor Skate Park (BYO bikes or scooters)!
4 minute walk approx. to Soldiers Memorial Reserve Playground
Things to see and do in Victor Harbor
We love Victor Harbor as there’s so much to see and do for families – whether you’re wanting a day trip out of Adelaide, or a longer holiday.
The Causeway Plaza area is the main hub for Victor Harbor’s tourist facilities such as the entrance to the causeway to Granite Island. There’s a kiosk for refreshments, mini-golf, camel and the historic horse-drawn tram.
Also around Victor Harbor:
Oceanic Victor in sea aquarium
The Bluff Summit Walk & Lookout
Stage 2 – construction to commence February 2021
The major elements for Stage 2 are a 1.5 metre high mound with slides and climbing wall which received strong support during the public consultation phase in 2018.
A pathway will connect Flinders Parade to the Foreshore Promenade, providing greater connectivity from Railway Terrace and defining the boundary between the play space and the Soldiers’ Memorial Gardens.
The Design for Stage 2 also includes several interactive sensory play items and additional seating and tables in the younger children play space on the paved area adjacent the train.
The detailed design is now to be finalised in preparation for construction in 2020/21.
Council has secured $100,000 through the SA Government’s Open Space Grant Program to assist with the $200,000 cost of construction.
Click here for all the Best Playgrounds for Toddlers
See our Top Parks & Playgrounds Around Adelaide here.
Location:
Where: Flinders Parade, Victor Harbor (along the foreshore)
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
All photos are by Play & Go.
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