Under the sea at Riverside Plaza, Queanbeyan | Photos

Young children were almost bouncing off the padded walls when the Queanbeyan Age visited on Tuesday morning.

There was a buzz of excitement as toddlers manoeuvred their way around the new, split level play area which includes a slide, climbing stairs, swinging props and interactive play panels.

Local mother Gina Rocks is a regular visitor to the shopping centre. She said the playground was a great addition.

"It's great that they've finally got one because I have emailed them in the past requesting them to put one in so it's nice to finally have something for them to play with," she said.

"I probably would've liked something more open-planned that's easier to supervise the kids but this is still great.

"It gives the kids a break in between shopping so you can get some groceries, then you can let them have a play and then you can do a few other things. It just breaks up the trip for them."

The Riverside Plaza Centre Management team said feedback on the playground had been overwhelmingly positive.

Management have said the playground was very safe as it was padded and enclosed in netting for safe play but easy visibility for parents.

"We hoped it would be well received and we're really pleased to see how much our young customers are enjoying having a space to play," they said.

The playground will be open to the public during centre trading hours.

Riverside Plaza is soon to launch their Kids Club providing special offers, event and activities for children as well as a special gift for them on their birthday.

n Riverside Plaza is holding a 'Playground Party' on Saturday, February 7 from 11am to 2pm to officially launch their new play equipment.

There will be free face painting and balloon sculpting and a bonus goodie bag for the first 150 children.