Lake Pertobe - a new playspace for all

The vision for Lake Pertobe is for the reserve to be a unique park, playground and regional attraction, which connects Warrnambool’s CBD to the beach. It is a place which inspires Warrnambool’s residents and visitors to gather, play and enjoy the natural environment. 

Lake Pertobe (or Pirtupp meaning small sandpiper in Gunditjmara language) was originally part of our
coastline and became an ephemeral wetland where the 
land met the ocean.
In the late 1960s a plan was developed to transform the “swamp” into an adventure playground to service the growing City of Warrnambool and the park we know today was created.
In the decades since Lake Pertobe has become an enormously popular attraction for residents and visitors. However, with ageing of infrastructure and new expectations around play experiences for all members of the community the time had come to re-imagine the space. Throughout 2016 and 2017 Council asked Warrnambool residents and visitors what they loved about Lake Pertobe and how they would like to see it improved.
From that extensive engagement process a master plan was developed. The plan was critical to attracting a $1.45 million grant through the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, which matched a commitment from Council.

A new playspace for everyone
The community aspirations for this special place were heard and have been transformed into a concept design which directly responds to the vision in the master plan. Images in this document are from the new design.
The $2.9 million project includes a new toilet block at McGennan Car Park, accessible paths, pedestrian bridge replacement, a water play splashpad and a new walking trail which will acknowledge the environment and culture of the space.
Due for completion in 2021 the project will ensure that Lake Pertobe continues to be a wonderful destination for residents and visitors to Warrnambool.

Next steps
In early 2020 Council will seek expressions of interest for the delivery of the project. It is anticipated that construction will begin in 2021. 

Detailed background
The playspaces at Lake Pertobe are an important and valuable asset to the Warrnambool community and to domestic and international visitors. 
The space featured in this document (Play Area 2) was identified as having potential for improvement into a higher profile, unique attraction that makes the most of its great  location between the beach and the city centre.
The playspace project will re-affirm Lake Pertobe
as one of Victoria’s premier play facilities. The playspace is to feature customised and/or rare play equipment to pro-vide an exciting, outdoor and screen-free experience.
While Play Area 2 currently has some basic all-abilities equipment the upgrade and replacement with modern equipment will provide improved play experiences and en-able interaction between people with a range of abilities.
A modern water play area will create a place where children can safely interact with water. The existing wading pools and ponds, while popular, can at times be slippery. The new facility will significantly improve safety and maximise the interactive experience.
Installing new equipment at Play Area 2 represents the highest value for money investment in Lake Pertobe. The site already has key supporting facilities nearby including fully accessible toilets, a Changing Places facility(under construction) fully accessible car parking and accessible barbecue areas and shelters.
This component of a larger project to upgrade the Lake Pertobe precinct represents an investment by the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund and Warrnambol City Council that will enhance the experi-ence of Warrnambool for all people.

Have a look through the master plan and the design concepts.

Have we missed anything? Please let us know what you think below. Submissions close on January 31, 2020.