ROTARY Club of Shepparton South are to build a new playground at Tarcoola Village in Shepparton.
Anyone who watched the ABC’s, Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds would be familiar with the tremendous difference intergenerational connections have for both the young and old.
Past president, David Earle explained that the project was inspired by the understanding that 40 percent of people in aged care never have a visitor. There are more than 300 residents living at Tarcoola Villages, which means that more than 120 residents have no visits from family or friends.
The key project builds upon the Rotary Club of South Shepparton’s ‘I wish I’d asked’ initiative, connecting students with aged care residents. By building a family-friendly activity centre and playground in close proximity to retirement villages, the group hope to build a family environment and park for all generations to meet and enjoy.
The Tarcoola Parkland Project will be a nature inspired intergenerational playground and barbecue area, built to encourage families and children to visit their elderly loved ones more often.
The Rotary Club of South Shepparton has committed $10K plus $18K in volunteer labour. Shepparton Villages, Greater Shepparton Council, Rotary Foundation, and Spiire have also provided funding toward the project.
Mr Earle said, “The whole community is coming together to help with this project. Seating is a large expense, but Council has donated some weathered park benches that volunteer VCAL students at Notre Dame will help renovate. A lot of the work will be done by volunteers.”
The facility will also encourage engagement with local kindergartens and schools so that children can regularly interact with residents and build a more connected and enriched community for all.
