PROJECT PROFILE
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INCLUSIVE
FUN FOR ALL With the creation of inclusive playgrounds a growing endeavour, the newest playspace in Waitara hits all the right notes
eaturing a collaboratively designed playscape, with accessible play equipment by inclusive play specialist Proludic, Waitara Park incorporates principles of inclusive design and accessibility and features a diverse range of innovative equipment suitable for children of all ages and abilities. A core aspect of its company philosophy, Proludic is committed to the design and provision of inclusive playgrounds. Proludic’s belief that all children should have access to play facilities that allow them to play together in a safe environment, lies at the centre of its work on the Waitara Park project: a philosophy that aligns with the Everyone Can Play initiative released by the NSW Government in 2019. Developed by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, Everyone Can Play is a bestpractice resource utilised by councils, community leaders, architects, designers and contractors, to aid in the development of inclusive playspaces. According to its website: “At the heart of Everyone Can Play is the declaration that play is for everyone — regardless of age, ability or cultural background.” An ethos Proludic is very familiar with. Part of Hornsby Shire Council’s Waitara Park Plan of Management launched in 2015, the neighbourhood received a new tennis court facility — which doubles as a flood detention basin to help mitigate downstream flooding issues — and a sustainably designed amenities building. Adjacent to these community facilities sits the newly constructed inclusive playground, the development of which benefitted from a $600,000 grant courtesy of the Everyone Can Play initiative. The fully fenced playground includes shade sails, seating, picnic shelters and barbecues, as well as extensive landscaping, and is grouped into play areas that cater to different age ranges and abilities. Dominating the Junior play zone is a 7-metre-high Adventure Tower inspired by exotic tropical jungles intended to ignite the imagination. The giant structure includes a towering tube slide, an open kayak slide, a fireman’s pole and myriad climbing challenges. Two inground trampolines and a spinning and rocking Hip Hop, designed to combine motor skill employment and sensory stimulation, complete this area. Next to the Junior zone, the shaded Toddler play area contains Proludic’s Diabolo Multiplay. This inclusive, ground-based play unit has a ramp for easy access and encourages the development of mobility, fine motor skills and cognitive recognition through an assortment of tactile activities. Additional elements installed in the playground include Sensory Flowers; Big Twiny Car, which provides access for children in wheelchairs at the rear; Twisty Rotating Disc; and a Tiboo toddlers’ slide, as well as a two-bay swing set with pod seat and inclusive seat. Access ramps throughout the entire playspace ensure everyone can gain entrance to each play area, so no one is left out, while softfall surfacing provides a safe zone for kids to run wild.
88 | ODS Exemplary Showcase
