Spotlight On: Lions Park, Gladstone QLD
December 2017 saw the opening of Australia's first Sensory-Friendly playground at Lions Park in Gladstone, Queensland. The $3.5 million redevelopment took 4 months to complete and has resulted in an inclusive playspace for all children, with special attention on including those with a Sensory Processing Disorder, Auditory Processing Disorder, visual impairments, Down Syndrome, Autism, Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy and Spina Bifida.
Accessibility:
Some of the features that enable accessibility include:
wide paths and use of concrete and rubber to provide easy access for wheelchair users
a range of swings for different abilities
shaded areas for children with light and heat sensitivity
'safe havens' for when children need a little quiet
a custom climbing tower and 'Climbmax' challenge net for climbers of all abilities
hand holds that can be used by children with limited grip
spinning and vestibular play elements
tactile play elements, for example water play and sand
Why we love it:
What makes this park so special is that it has been designed for the needs of individuals who make up the community while reflecting the industrial nature of the community as a whole. Landscape architects Tobias Volbert of
and Jonathan Weinert from
drew inspiration from the works of Leonardo Da Vinci, who was himself inspired by nature. An outline of some of the ideas and inspiration for the design elements can be viewed
.
This is an exciting precedent that we hope will spread throughout the country. If you would like help designing your own inclusive playspace, contact us
.
Sources:
https://issuu.com/accessinsight/docs/acaa_newsletter_jan2018
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-29/sensory-friendly-playground-helping-people-with-autism-qld/9292498
http://www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/lions-park-redevelopment
http://www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/lions-park-redevelopment/-/journal_content/56/1570002/43592843?p_p_auth=41laJT8z&_56_showArticlTitleInPortlet=true
https://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/photos-australias-first-ever-sensory-park-opens-in/3292643/#/0