Work underway on unique play space for all children

Date: Wednesday, 29th July 2009

A sensory garden, a musical play area, and a story time space based on a local adaptation of ‘Three Billy Goats Gruff’ are set to feature in an innovative playground being built at Riverway’s Pioneer Park.

Construction of the All Abilities Playground has begun after a unique design for the space was developed by the Townsville City Council in partnership with Disability Services Queensland.

Inspired by the region’s flora and fauna, the playground will include a lily pad entrance, turtle hopscotch and sand play area, as well as an obstacle course and a tree house complete with binoculars and game boards, which is nearing completion.

Mayor Cr Les Tyrell said the playground would be one of a kind, and that its creative and inclusive design was developed after extensive community consultations.

“There were more than 250 people who participated in the planning and design of this playground over 18 months, so it’s great to see their ideas and vision being translated into work on the ground,” Cr Tyrell said.

“I’m confident the detailed thought that’s gone into this project will result in a lot of smiling faces. It will maximise the play experiences of all children while breaking down some of the barriers which prevent some children from playing freely.”

The 400-square-metre site will also contain soft-fall surfacing, seating and drinking fountains.

The $890,000 playground has received $690,000 in funding from the council with the balance coming from Disability Services Queensland as one of 16 facilities around the State designed to provide challenging play spaces for children of all abilities.

Lifestyle and Community Development Committee chair Cr Jenny Lane said a series of community projects would be held in coming months to offer adults and children a chance to contribute to its design elements.

“There’ll be painting workshops and planting days to ensure families can have some hands-on involvement in creating this play space,” Cr Lane said.

“From laying pebble mosaics to painting totem poles and musical instruments, there’ll be lots of ways for people to get their hands dirty.”

One of the major contributors to the community consultation phase was the Umbrella Network which is made up of children with disabilities and their parents, as well as local health specialists.

The playground is scheduled for completion in late September.