Parks & Open Spaces

Adventure Playgrounds

The Adventure Playgrounds are federally funded to provide opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Adventure Playgrounds are often referred to as neighbourhood 'backyards' and give children the chance to use their imagination and take risks in a safe environment. 

The Adventure Playgrounds are staffed and filled with climbing structures, trampolines, cubbies, natural play spaces and heaps more. 

 

 

St Kilda Adventure Playground

The St Kilda Adventure Playground has made the difficult decision to close the playground fort
due to safety concerns. The fort, which was constructed in 1981, by several dedicated local
residents, is the oldest structure in the playground. It has brought pleasure to local kids without backyards for years, and will be sorely missed. All other equipment and activities in the playground will continue to run as per usual.

Street address:  Off Neptune St, St Kilda Melbourne
Postal Address: Private Bag No 3, PO St Kilda, 3182
Telephone: (03) 9209 6348
Fax: (03) 9525 3689

Email: skallisc@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Public Transport: Tram #16 down Fitzroy St


Skinners Adventure Playground

Skinners is a community backyard for children and families living in public housing around South Melbourne. 

The playground offers programs and activities specifically for these children and may be closed to the general public on days when these programs are operating. 

  • Skinners is unable to accept group bookings or cater for groups, such as birthday groups, OSHC programs, or group gatherings.  This is due to the nature of our funding which is to provide a safe 'backyard' for children in the local public housing. Large groups attempting to access the playground will be asked to find alternate arrangements.
  • Please respect that Skinners is a Junk Food Free Zone.  In order to promote healthy lifestyles within the local community, all sweet, fatty or fast food or drink is banned from the playground
  • Skinners is also a smoke and alcohol free zone
  • Many of the activities at Skinners are funded specifically for children in local public housing. These programs may run whilst the playground is open to the public, but access to these programs is restricted strictly to the targeted group.
  • Skinners is occasionally closed to the general public during regular playground hours due to events and outings with local families. When planning to visit, we strongly recommend calling the playground directly to check opening times and to avoid disappointment. This is particularly important during school holiday periods.


For more information please contact the playground directly:

Telephone: (03) 9209 6352

Email: bmeyers@portphillip.vic.gov.au


Opening hours

St Kilda Adventure Playground

  • Monday to Friday 3.30 to 5.30pm
  • Saturday & Sunday 10.00am to 5.00pm

Skinners Adventure Playground

  • Monday to Friday 3.30 to 5.30pm
  • Saturday & Sunday 11.00am to 5.00pm

During daylight savings St Kilda APG is open all WEEKDAYS during the school term until 6.00pm. Skinners is open until 6.00 on Monday-Wednesday only during the school term. Skinners closes at 5.30 on Thursday and Friday during the school term due to after hours programming.

School holidays:

Both playgrounds are open from 11.00am to 5.00pm

Public holidays

The playgrounds will be closed:

  • From Wed 24th Dec to Saturday 2nd Jan
  • Good Friday

All other public holidays St Kilda Adventure Playground is open 1.00 to 5.00pm, and Skinners from 11.00am to 3.00pm


Party Bookings at St Kilda Adventure Playground Only

All bookings must be made through the St Kilda Adevnture Playground on 9209 6348 between 3.00PM and 5.00PM weekdays

  • Maximum of 30 children
  • Parties are available ONLY for children between the ages of 5-12
  • Bookings are taken for the weekend only
  • A charge between $80.00 & $150.00 per booking
  • Payment to be made on the day prior to the commencement of the party. Only cash payment is accepted.
  • The playground will be open to the general public during times allocated for parties, however booking secures the use of the party area (an undercover area with table), BBQ & kitchen facilities.
  • No alcohol or smoking permitted in the playground.

 

Group bookings, such as holiday programs, can no longer be accomodated at the playground. Groups of this nature attending the service will be asked to find an alternative destination

 

Please contact the playgrounds directly for further information

Playground Closure

The playground will be closed due to the following conditions:

  • The temperature exceeds 35 degrees Celsius
  • The forecast temperature is above 38 degrees Celsius
  • During hail, heavy rain, strong winds, or thunderstorms
  • The playgrounds may also be closed without notice under certain circumstances eg for maintenance,safety, staff training
  • See above for public holiday closures
  • Skinners may be closed during school holidays due to excursions with local children and families. We strongly recommend calling ahead to avoid disappointment


Playground policies and procedures

  • Care for yourself
  • Care for others
  • Care for this place
  • Have fun
  • Staffed during opening hours
  • Designed for, and most suitable for children aged 5 - 12 years
  • Parental supervision is recommended for all children
  • Children 5 years and younger must be actively supervised by an adult at all times
  • A kid zone - adults are only permitteded if accompanied by a child
  • A recreational facility and visitors are entering at their own risk
  • No smoking or alcohol in the playground
  • No junk food permitted in Skinners Adventure Playground


History

Designed as big 'backyards' for the local children in high-rise public housing, St Kilda and Skinners began in 1981 and 1978 respectively.

The playgrounds are managed by the City of Port Phillip and supported through Federal 'YouthLinx' Funding.  The YouthLinx funding is to target children and families who would usually be unable to access cultural, recreational activities due to social or financial constraints.  For many families the playgrounds are more than just a 'backyard' they are a support network, a place to learn new skills, somewhere to 'escape' and a link to the wider community and a safe place to have fun.

Based on a similar concept in Denmark, the children were originally given the materials and tools and asked to build their own play space.  While no longer able to build the structures, the local children help out where they can creating murals, designing programs and having input into any future directions.