7 minute read
Kids-R-Us
Play time
TO THE MAX
With the days are getting warmer, it is a great time to get the kids out into the fresh air and sunshine and discover some of the new playgrounds in the area. By BROOKE EVANS-BUTLER
SYKES FORESHORE PLAYGROUND
The Sykes Foreshore Playground was only completed in July, but is already becoming known among the locals and visitors to Bunbury as the playground of choice to keep the entire family entertained.
South west locals Jolene and Ben Humphrey – the duo behind play and design contractors Active Discovery – constructed the new playground, keeping in mind community feedback which specified the desire to create a nautical-themed space, which Active Discovery created using inspiration from an unknown shipwreck close to the site. “There is a small shipwreck in the water just next to the playground site, so we wanted it to be authentic to history,” Jolene reveals. “This was the main theory behind the central piece being a shipwreck – and the actual shipwreck and the playground pieces are almost identical in size and shape. On a clear day when the tide is low the timbers from the actual shipwreck are exposed, so it is very visible from the little jetty.”
In addition to the shipwreck, there are also various local links including climbing logs to replicate the mangroves and a big blue crab sculpture to link with the blue swimmer crabs that frequent in the Estuary.
“The big blue swimmer crab is a great photo opportunity,” Jolene says. “There is also a little penguin, and it is amazing how many kids will bend down and talk to the penguin. It brings in a whole different level of play.”
Again linking the ‘local flavour’ of the playground is a dingy boat. “We wanted the dingy to be as authentic as possible,” Jolene says. “We wanted kids to feel like they were in the same sort of boat that they get in with Dad or Pop to catch crabs in the Estuary.”
The playground is zoned into areas suitable for children of various ages, even appropriate for crawling babies.
“I am an early childhood teacher and the early childhood area in play space design is something that often gets neglected,” Jolene says. “Maybe this is because people think that babies don’t need playground equipment but they very much do and need similar sensory experiences that older children need but in a size that is suitable for them.”
For older children, the “dynamic” part of the playground is towards the back, featuring the Hurricane Swing (or clothesline swing). “I think I have seen as many adults on as children on the swing, which once again ties in that idea of all ages being able to play in a safe space,” Jolene says.
To ensure the playground is inclusive, surfacing called PlayMatta (a recycled plastic modular tile) has been used, which is suitable for wheelchairs and walking frames. A treasure hunt with small starfish and shells is also included throughout the space, which can all be easily found by children or guardians using mobility aids.
Seating has also been incorporated around the edge of the playground, via a seat wall, which creates a
PLAYTIME ALL THE TIME Opposite, Koombana Bay's Foreshore Playground. This page, the labyrinth and other equipment at Queens Gardens (pic credit Olivia Treasure Photography).
OLD COAST ROAD BREWERY
Although it is not a playground, if you are looking at taking the family somewhere to eat and have fun, then you cannot go past Old Coast Road Brewery and their new Wonders of Western Australia mini golf course. Visit ocrb.com.au/mini-golf/ for all the details. comfortable space for parents and guardians to easily supervise their children.
“It is a destination space,” Jolene adds. “There are custom-built shelters with barbecues and picnic tables, as well as toilets and a shower, so you could go and easily spend half a day there with the entire family. There is such a big age range of families and parents being able to share and use this space. Everyone says it is so different.”
Another exciting addition to the area is a highly-anticipated splash park will be located behind the Discovery Holiday Park on Lyons Cove, set to be completed prior to Christmas.
Discovery Holiday Parks chief operations officer, Michaela Webster, says that the development comes at an exciting time.
“The new splash park will be available for both tourist and community use,” she says.
“While it has been a challenging time for tourism, many Australians are seeking affordable holidays within their own backyards. Improvements to our Bunbury property are hoped to make the region an even more attractive prospect to Aussie families ‘holidaying at home’.
“The shipwreck-themed splash park will be a fantastic family attraction for both our park guests and the Bunbury community.”
“We are also progressing plans to expand accommodation at the park, and the proposed development will be a boost for local tourism,” says Michaela. Sykes Playground: Lyons Cove, Bunbury
QUEENS GARDENS
Across the inlet from Sykes Foreshore Playground, Queens Gardens Playground is another exciting playground designed and constructed by Active Discovery, which was completed in December 2019.
“The Queens Garden playground was inspired by the natural habitat – the mangroves, the shoreline and the dolphin,” Jolene says. “The playground is zoned and there is a toddler area with an Elf Hut and toddler slide, which young children can use independently without the help of a parent.”
The space is designed with inclusivity in mind, with an access path through the space and elements that are fully-inclusive, including a rainbow harp, transfer carousel and pod swing.
“The playground has a nautical theme, with a fishing boat and dolphin to replicate the water around
Bunbury,” Jolene says. “Adjacent is our Kanope Adventure Trail (featuring climbing elements) – they start from the water edge where the dolphins are and the theory behind the curved green posts is they replicate the mangroves and the shorelines grasses.”
Jolene says Queens Gardens is ideal for children from babies up until eight to 10 year olds.
“There is beautiful shade at Queens Gardens from a really big fig tree and toilets in walking distance,” she adds.
For locals or visitors alike, the Queens Garden Playground is ideally located to make the most of the area. After the kids have had a play, families can head to the Bunbury Markets next door (check out the website for market dates: thebunburymarkets.com.au). Queens Gardens Playground, Cobblestone Dr, Bunbury
KARRAGUARUP PLAY SPACE
Karragarup means ‘place of crabs’ in the language of the Pinjarrup Noongar people, and the play space (which opened in June) provides various interactive play opportunities for children of all ages.
The centre of the playground features a large crab play structure, with watermisting feature and lights.
A zipline or flying fox is towards the Leschenault Estuary side of the playground. There is also a cubby structure inspired by the Avicennia Marina, or grey mangrove.
A striking art structure has also been installed near the playground on Ridley Place Foreshore Reserve, called Heart and Home, which is definitely worth checking out.
Shire of Harvey President Paul Gillett says it was great to see so many families enjoying this new playground and it was fantastic that it brought awareness to the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
“We are delighted to see this playground being so well used,” he says. “It is a wonderful environment down on the foreshore area in Australind and to have this amazing interactive play space where parents can watch their children explore and have fun is fantastic.
“We welcome visitors and residents down to Karragarup Play Space to enjoy the natural environment and learn about the cultural heritage of the area. Make sure to stop by at the play area if you’re heading south, as you won’t be disappointed.” Karraguarup Play Space, Ridley Place Foreshore / Old Coast Road, Australind. Public toilets are on site.
OTHER GREAT PLAYGROUNDS IN THE REGION:
Apple Fun Park, Donnybrook:
The playground is suitable for kids of all ages (and also includes gym circuit equipment for the grown-ups!).
Central Park and Water Playground, Collie:
This lovely area features grassed picnic areas and facilities to enjoy year-round, but the water playground is a must in the warmer months.
Koombana Bay Foreshore Playground, Bunbury:
With a steamship themed slide, in-built trampolines, sand play and flying fox, there is plenty to keep the kids entertained.
Geovine
