No-one will be more excited for the re-opening of ‘The Green Machine’ than Bonnie and Belle Lyon.
The sisters have been eagerly awaiting this moment, frequently writing letters writers to the City of Hobart while waiting patiently for the launch of the new slide at the Parliament Street Reserve.
Now, the wait is over.
The capital’s main council has announced the opening of ‘The Green Machine’ slide and further upgrades to the Parliament Street Reserve.
Bonnie, ten, and Belle, nine, fell in love with the old slide at the Reserve after being regular users of the playground while visiting their grandparents in Dynnyrne.
The original slide, beloved by many Hobart children, was retired for safety reasons, but the new 15-metre slide – possibly Tasmania’s longest installed slide – is now ready for action.
Compared to the old straight and open slide, the new one whisks riders downhill through a snakey tunnel built for fun and safety.
As part of the upgrade, the City of Hobart has also planted five Morrisby’s gum trees and more than 1000 native plants and grasses.
While the historical location presents some accessibility challenges, the City is continuously working to upgrade our parks to ensure they are inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
“This is the biggest slide in Hobart, and we are excited to see children enjoying it once again,” said Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds
“The area has been beautifully landscaped with dolerite rock work, new gardens, a picnic table and gravel paths to make it more accessible for families.
“The Green Machine is not just a slide; it’s a symbol of our commitment to providing safe and fun recreational spaces for our community.”
Meanwhile Bonnie Lyon was grateful to have the opportunity to be one of the first to go down the new slide.
“We wrote to the Lord Mayor to state our opinions about the removal of the big blue slide, and we were thrilled to hear they were putting in something more fantastic,” she said.
“It was an exciting experience receiving letters from the Lord Mayor.”
Sister Belle was also excited about lobbying the Mayor and the reopening.
The entire project, supported by a $140,000 Tasmanian Government grant through the Department of State Growth, ensures the new slide meets Australian safety standards with an enclosed top, controlled speed turns and soft fall areas.
For more information, visit the website: www.hobartcity.com.au/
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