Article published on 25 June 2019
Proludic has once more established itself as a leading playground manufacturer with the opening of the latest inclusive play space project, Waitara Park in Australia. As part of the ‘Everyone Can Play’ countrywide government initiative, this playground includes a tower slide, in ground trampolines, accessible carousel, inclusive swings and much more.
The construction and development of inclusive playgrounds have been booming in the New South Wales playground industry this year, thanks to the associated Everyone Can Play grant funding released by the Department of Planning & Environment. This fun and inclusive new play space at Waitara Park received an Everyone Can Play grant of $600,000 towards the project.
The Proludic group has always been dedicated to the provision of inclusive play equipment and sharing its expertise regarding the design of inclusive playgrounds. The Australian team was able to focus on this aspect of their business more fully when Proludic’s own Inclusive Play Areas Guide document achieved a Good Design Award Gold in 2016. Proludic’s vision, therefore, aligns with the Department of Planning’s provision of resources to assist with the development of inclusive playgrounds.
Located at the end of the park, the fenced playground is adjacent to the new tennis court and amenities facility as part of a major public spaces renovation for the area and includes shade sails, picnic shelters and barbecues.
The play space provides an extensive range of play equipment. The junior play area features Proludic’s seven-meter-high Amazone Tower, a structure that takes inspiration from Mayan relics, with sacred mythical creatures that ignite the kids’ imaginations, encouraging them to become mini explorers. The structure includes a giant tube slide, a kayak open slide, a fireman’s pole, climbing challenges, manipulative play, role play and much more.
The junior play area includes two inclusive in-ground trampolines and spinning and rocking Hip Hop, both of which combine motor skills and sensory stimulation for the kids, allowing them to have fun and explore their senses.
Adjacent to the junior area is the inclusive toddler’s play space. The main feature is Proludic’s accessible Diabolo Multi-Play, which encourages the development of mobility, fine motor skills, cognitive recognition and sensory stimulation with a wide variety of activities. An access ramp and ground-based play ensure that all kids can access every exciting activity that is on offer so that no one gets left out.
Additional inclusive equipment includes Sensory Flowers, the Big Twiny Car with access for children in wheelchairs at the rear, the Play Hut, the Rodeo Disc, the Twisty Rotating Disc, a Tiboo toddlers’ slide, a two-bay swing set with Pod seat and inclusive seat, a swing set with four flat seats and an accessible carousel.
The playground also features stunning artwork from the local artists from Studio Artes – an art centre initiative for people with disabilities – alongside new garden beds and trees.
The adjacent tennis centre provides a kiosk and outdoor shaded area, providing a place for parents and carers to relax while staying close to their children. The installation of pathways and accessible safety surfacing was carefully considered to allow for safe and easy access throughout the play space and to the play equipment. Multiple seating options and plenty of shade ensure a comfortable place for everyone to play and relax together.
“The upgrade of the Waitara Park Precinct was much-needed, and the local and wider community can now enjoy an expanded and improved recreational space,” said Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock. “This inclusive play space was carefully designed by Council with extensive consultation of the local community. The new playground looks fantastic and is exciting for kids of different ages and abilities to explore. We are truly proud of the results.”
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