Musical playground brings a community together

Music crosses all genders, ages, disabilities and cultures, helping people to express themselves, improve cognitive skills and encourage social interaction. With this knowledge, the people of Yarram in Gippsland, Victoria, decided to make the most of the space they had to create an outdoor musical playground.

The Yarram Recreation Reserve Committee of Management was constructing a new multi-purpose  community facility using money raised through local fundraising, a Victorian government grant and many volunteer hours. However, they didn’t have money to complete the external areas. They wanted to create an outdoor learning space to cater to the diversity of users and encourage visitors to the area.

Playground promotes inclusivity

With a $60,000 Tailored Grant received from a very generous private donor, they were able to create an outdoor musical playground to provide a stimulating learning space for children, older people, people with a disability, and families with children using the new community facility.

Even before the final landscaping was complete, children were taking the musical equipment for a test run, creating and hitting high notes, with music ringing out from the playground, according to Jack Millier, President of Yarram Recreation Reserve Inc.

“The kids play on it all day from early morning to late at night. Once a week we have an elderly group drive into town to have a play, as well as a school who support children with disabilities.

“The two local state schools even hold music classes using the instruments. The instruments are highly tuned and so make an amazing sound. You really need to come and visit to hear how good it is,” said Mr Millier.

The playground has also attracted some media attention, drawing visitors from interstate, giving a boost to the area.