Golden ticket holders get school holiday access to iconic Apple Fun Park ahead of redevelopment unveiling

Donnybrook children who were lucky enough to score one of just 25 golden tickets have been given special early access to the town’s new and improved Apple Fun Park. The famous playground has been given a makeover for the first time since it opened in 2013 and ahead of its official opening on Friday. The group of lucky kids and their parents were able to test out the new equipment. The $1.5 million facelift features a huge apple crate tower as well as new play areas designed by South West company Active Discovery. Donnybrook-Balingup Shire president Brian Piesse said the upgrades were a key to the precinct being the leader in playground tourism in the region, but recognised the work of the donors and volunteers who brought the park to life initially. “It is an evolution and it is something we had to do in terms of staying ahead of the pack,” he said. “In this space we set a standard which was well ahead of its time, but we don’t take anything away from the original donors, sponsors and volunteers — this day wouldn’t be possible without their work. “It is another chapter in what will be even more impressive when we do the pump track on the other side of the road. “It means there are some attractions for tourists, young people and fitness fanatics.” Primary school student Ruby Bramwell won one of the golden tickets in a raffle at her school. The five-year-old said the new park was “very exciting”. “My favourite bit was the really big nets,” she said.