In 2006 an early years parents and friends group approached the Mayor of Glenorchy, Adriana Taylor, with an idea to build an innovative, interactive ‘adventure’ style playground with an arts focus for small children. The concept was developed by the original committee Mayor Taylor, Madeleine Ogilvie, David Kinnibrough, Simon Boughey, Kim Backhouse and Mark Wilsdon. Through an in-kind contribution GHD Pty Ltd prepared concept designs to start the ball rolling.

Over 2007 and 2008 the Council commissioned a Master Plan from Inspiring Place for the Wilkinson’s Point and Elwick Bay area, taking into consideration the need for ‘play’ and art installation along the foreshore. Subsequently Pippa Dickson was appointed Project Development Officer by the Council in late 2008 to develop a business plan and consult with the community in regard to the foreshore space now zoned ‘special community use’.

Prior to the incorporation of GASP as a company limited by guarantee and the appointment of a board of directors, the Project Development Officer was supported by an advisory group of eminent business and arts leaders: Mayor Taylor, Narelle Calphy, Heather Chong, David Walsh, Madeleine Ogilvie, Olivier Varenne, Nicole Durling, Sean Kelly, Wesley Hindmarch and David Handley.

We wish to thank and acknowledge the generous contributions of all those who have played such an important role in the early years of the project.