KidsTown History

The idea was to build a playground complex that will serve the local community, grow in stages and become a tourist attraction in its own right that the Goulburn Valley becomes famous for.

1994

  • The Project Manager, Mr Geoff Allemand submits a letter to Council outlining the idea behind KidsTown and Council agrees in principle and suggest forming a steering committee.
  • SPC is approached as a possible sponsor.

1995

  • A steering committee is formed comprising of SPC representatives, Councillors, business and service clubs, education representatives and community members. 
  • Playground designers Mary Jeavons and Paul Gardiner are selected for design concepts and site selection. 
  • The Fruit Connection site is chosen for its proximity to Shepparton and Mooroopna, distance from residential areas, aesthetics and potential for growth. 
  • A new committee was formed in late 1995 to raise funds and administer the project. 
  • The committee become incorporated and known as Greater Shepparton Community Playground, and Kids Connection was the name chosen for the playground. 
  • A Buy A Brick fundraiser was introduced and a "Design your Dream Playground" concept launched with the Shepparton Apex Club agreeing to build and fund the Tree House area of the playground. 
  • Maxwell Brown and Mountjoy commits to the project in the areas of administation and finance. Mooroopna Apex Club also comes aboard and commits to the building of the Fruit Bin Climbing Pyramid. 
  • The Greater Shepparton City Council pledges $100,000 over two year for earthworths and infrastructure. 
  • The Victorian Friutgrowers are approached to sponsor signs for the Fruit Bins and earthworks begin in late October 1995.

1996

  • The Fruit bins are opened in March 1996 and the Kiosk is operational and raising funds. 
  • Sport and Recreation Victorian and J Furphy & Sons offer financial contributions to the project. 
  • The Junior Swings and Monkey Bars were financed by Sigma Pharmaceuticals and in October the Flying Fox was opened and sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. 
  • In December the Picnic Shelter was opened and Kings Family Supermarkets provided funding for Monkey Bars.

1997

  • In March, the playground was official opened and Kids Connection wins Best Outdoor Recreation in Healthy Hearts Local Government Awards. 
  • In December, Ardmona Foods sponsor Kids Connection and are granted naming rights and True Value Hardware Mooroopna sponsor the Giant Slides.

1998

  • A new name Ardmona KidsTown Adventure Playground was launched in April.
  • The kiosk is upgraded by Liberty Kitchens as part of a sponsorship deal and Greater Shepparton City Council commits to building a toilet block at the venue. 
  • Ardmona KidsTown Adventure Playground launched a fundraising project construction of picnic tables that would be sold direct to the public.

1999

  • Visy Industries commit to funding the new VisyLine Miniature Railway and the Shepparton News Amphitheatre was completed.

2000

  • In March an intiative Work for the Dole scheme begins for one year. 
  • The VisyLine Miniature Railway has a preview opening on Anzac Day and the new board of management commenced on the 14th August.

2001

  • Work commences of Kiwanis Central Station and ticket box, and the official opening of the VisyLine Miniature Railway occured in April. 
  • The cycle path and walking track around the site is completed, a new toddler area is developed and camel rides begin on weekends and school holidays. 
  • Ardmona agrees to continue their sponsorship for the next five years.

2002

  • The newly established Goulburn Valley Community fund donate $30,000 towards the greening of the playground and the new toddler area was completed, with Mitre 10 donating all fencing and shade sails for the area. 
  • A new BBQ area was built in the Peppercorn Gardens area by the Mooropna Lions Club. 
  • Fiberglass cars are installed in toddler area, they were donated by GV Fiberglass and fitted by Woodturners of Goulburn Valley. 
  • In September, the wheelchair swing is official opened by the Variety Club and the Work for the Dole Program commenced work on the Dairy Maze.

2003

  • Work commences to construct a new workshop and the Dairy Maze is officially opened in July.

2004

  • Another Work for the Dole program was commenced to help develop the Furphy's Picnic and Play area. Whilst this was occuring, an upgrade on the rail track began.

2005

  • February saw the Carlton Football Club visit Kidstown and open their dedicated paving area in the Furphy's play area; this area was officially opened in May. 
  • In May, the Board of Management winds up its affairs and hands KidsTown over to Greater Shepparton City Council.