The first pieces of equipment are being put in place at the site of an Eaglehawk playground that will include a memorial to murdered baby Zayden Veal-Whitting.
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The $1.3 million Eaglehawk Regional Play Space at Lake Neangar will be the largest ever built in Bendigo, and will feature an area for young children called ‘Where Angels Play’, a tribute to 10-month-old Zayden.
Read more: Eaglehawk playground plans displayed | Video
Zayden’s aunt, Angie Whitting, said the family was “ecstatic” that the playground was taking form.
“We think it’s going to look pretty amazing,” Miss Whitting said.
She came up with the idea of a playground as a memorial to Zayden because she wanted somewhere for other people who had lost loved ones and children to enjoy and be happy.
Zayden’s happy personality also served as inspiration.
“He was a bright and bubbly little boy,” Miss Whitting said.
She said they were now planning an opening day with the City of Greater Bendigo, with hopes that the playground would be completed in spring.
She thanked all those who had donated to make the playground a reality.
The playground will include a variety of equipment and features, including a butterfly shelter in the Where Angels Play area, a digger, trampoline, slides, swings and a fairy house, among others.
Zayden was killed in his cot by intruder Harley Hicks in June 2012.
Two years later, Hicks was sentenced to life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 32 years for the murder.