A survey taken by parents and children will influence the style, design, theme and scale for the playing yard, after Warrnambool City Council collected responses in May last year.

The space will feature a bird’s nest swing, grass maze, timber deck seating and a “cosmo” climbing component.

Warrnambool City Council recreation and youth co-ordinator Kim White said the park would meet a gap of outdoor meeting and play spaces in the CBD. 

“This is a great opportunity to work with the community to improve a key CBD open space,” she said. 

“It will be a place where people of all ages can come together, relax and enjoy the scenery.

“It’s not your usual play equipment either, with the cosmo climbing frame and a focus on nature-based play.” 

The social gathering space has been designed by Rob Lowe snr and tells the story of the importance of Swan Reserve to the indigenous communities. 

The entrance off Kepler Street will also include message poles painted by students at Warrnambool and St Joseph’s primary schools.

A tree arbour and new local species garden bed are to be included, in partnership with Friends of Swan Reserve and Nature Glenelg Trust.

The reserve will also feature a new art installation by The F Project.

Funding for the upgrade comprises $200,000 from the state government and $100,000 from Warrnambool City Council.

Additional funding has come from community organisations.

The construction works are due for completion in September.