A. S. Salter Memorial Playground, Godfrey Street, Boort

A lovely playground in Nolen's Park at the north end of Little Lake Boort next to Boort Lakes Holiday Park.

The main playground structure has a spiral slide, wave slide, walkway, various ladders, steps, chain bridge, tic-tac-toe and fireman's pole. Also a tangled rope climbing frame, speak and listen system, birds nest swing, soft mushrooms to stand on, huge tug boat on springs (capable of rescuing any ship in distress on the lake), spinning lotus leaf with hand wheel, stand on spinner and long four person see-saw. On the other side of the park is flying fox with disk seat. Also three standard swings.

There is a big shelter with four tables, another shelter with two tables and BBQs, unshaded tables, water tap, third shelter with table and BBQs, big grassy area, outdoor gym and toilets.

There is a wonderful merry-go-round in the park which runs on special occasions. The merry-go-round is one of the only two publicly owned in Victoria. The other is located in Geelong. The Boort Merry-Go-Round can
be hired. For enquiries, contact Ken Loader on 5255-4225.

There is a large granite rock with a plaque about A. S. Salter. It reads:

A.S. Salter Memorial Playground - Recent upgrades organised by Boort Tourism Development in Nolens Park decided to dispose of this granite rock containing the plaque 'AS. Salter Memorial Playground' as no-one had heard of A.S. Salter Further research revealed that Mr. Salter (Stan) was popular and everyone knew him far and wide, therefore there was no need to include further information on the plaque.

Stan joined the army in 1916, served in France as a Gunner in the Artillery. He was seriously wounded and had his left leg amputated. On return to civilian life he became the manager of the Bank of New South Wales in Boort. Unfortunately Stan died of a stroke in 1939 at the age of 50.

The Boort Standard reported his death under the heading, Whole Town Mourns - "Easily the most popular and likeable citizen in our town, the place which Stan had filled in our midst will indeed be hard to fill. Besides being Secretary to the Boort Masonic Lodge, the deceased was also connected with every public and sporting body in the district, President of the Golf Club, Vice President of the RSL (of which he was to be elected to the position of President this month), Treasurer of the Trotting Club and Auditor to numerous other bodies. He had at all times carried out his duties in a keen and efficient manner?.

The Community decided to raise funds for a playground in Nolens Park so he would never be forgotten. Over a short period of time, money was raised to purchase an "Ocean Wave", 2 double swings, 2 double see-saws, slides and a large sand pit. From then on, Boort was blessed with the best playground for kilometres.

The Boort Standard reported that parents and children turned out in large numbers on Saturday 14th October 1939 for the official opening of the A.S. Salter Memorial Playground. The playground was officially opened by the Member of Parliament Mr. N. Martin at 2:30pm. Later in the afternoon, a portrait of the late Mr. Salter was presented to the Boort RSL and was unveiled at the Branch's Clubroom.

Location

Cnr Godfrey Street and McMillans Road, Boort 3537 Map