VICKI DERWENT | Lifestyle | CONTACT
A below average Betoota playground has recently had a glow up with the addition of a flying fox, promoting the playground to the elite tier.
The playground in Betoota North’s main park, had a standard range of equipment, swings, slide, sandpit, monkey bars and one of those walls of metal things that’s meant to sound like a musical instrument when you bang it.
Local parents in the area described the playground as “doing the job,” however some found that their children were getting bored too quickly.
“They go down the slide, across the monkey bars, a couple of pushes on the swing and then they’re back to asking me for a go on the iPad” local parent Sharon Parker told the Advocate.
“It was way too boring, the playground needed something to give it the X factor” she added.
Other parks in the area had spiderwebs, spinning bowls and rock climbing walls, but this particular park got the best upgrade of all.
“Once we saw them installing the flying fox, we knew we had hit the jackpot” Sharon said with a happy tear in her eye.
“It’s not even just fun for kids, I find myself lining up for the thing to have a go.”
“You hit your bum along the ground at the end, but for those couple first seconds it’s so worth it.”
The flying fox has been a huge hit in the community and has seen the local park be the “it” spot this spring. Some parents are even travelling to have a go on the new equipment.
“We actually didn’t walk here, we had to drive, that’s how far away we are!” North East Betoota parent, David Welly told our reporter.
“The kids are entertained for hours with that thing, it’s incredible.”
While the flying fox has been the suburb’s main tourist attraction, it has caused the odd tantrum or two.
“The kids have had to learn patience that’s for sure, I mean I’ve even seen a couple parents nearly get in a punch up over whose turn it is next.”
