KidsTown or Ghost Town? Community voices hope amid decline

By Taylah Baker

May 29, 2025

The laughter of children has faded from KidsTown.

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Recently, this cornerstone of childhood adventure for both locals and tourists in Shepparton has fallen into disrepair.

The once-thrilling slides now stand alongside rusted metal structures.

Weathered paint is peeling from picnic tables and benches.

Areas of the facility are even closed off — and have been for some time.

Following The News’ article reporting on this issue, ‘KidsTown’s decline: a call for action’, residents have flooded the comments section on Facebook to voice their concerns.

As a parent, Aaron Milne expressed frustration regarding the condition of the playground.

“Parts of the playground randomly boarded off or closed because they aren’t safe any more because they weren’t maintained and will never be repaired,” he said.

“It’s tragic. I take the kids, and they get bored so fast.”

**Playtime is over, and the community is no longer quiet about its concerns.** Photo by Taylah Baker

Sheana Hart and Ashlee Croxon echoed these sentiments.

“The miniature trains need to be fixed and back up and running again,” Ms Hart said.

“They need to deal with the wasps, too,” Ms Croxon said.

“No good fixing it up if you can’t attend without a swarm of them following you everywhere.”

**The miniature train at KidsTown has been out of service since the floods of 2022.** Photo by Taylah Baker

Some locals spoke of their dissatisfaction regarding Greater Shepparton City Council’s management of KidsTown since it came under their ownership in 2005.

“It’s gone to ruin under the council’s control ... fix the issues here that you are still promoting as a tourist attraction in the area!” Michael Hehir said.

“It’s sad that Cobram/Euroa have better playgrounds,” Bree Dealy said.

Despite many expressions of disappointment, even more were hopeful, igniting a collective call to action within the community.

One such member of the community was Charlie Walsh.

“I’m offering to help and try get others to join me. Maybe some of our trades around the area might like to help out and fix the place up?” he said.

“If we all got together just like the cannery, etc, did years ago, we could make something magical for the kids to go and enjoy again.

“Together, we could make a very BIG difference.”

The News requested a meeting with City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali to discuss the future of KidsTown and to address community suggestions received.

Council declined the invitation, stating that the following remarks provided to The News earlier in May were still relevant.

“Council is in the process of investigating and determining a way forward for KidsTown and its operations,” council infrastructure director Gary Randhawa said.

“Council acknowledges that the community has a real connection with KidsTown and understands the significance of the site.

“The community will be kept informed and engaged where appropriate on the future development of the site.”