ODS Exemplary Showcase 2

EXEMPLARY #02 SHOWCASE

ODS

OUTDOOR DESIGN SOURCE

PROLUDIC | JACARANDA PARK, GRAFTON (NSW)

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FROM THE EDITOR

FROM THE EDITOR

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elcome to this year’s edition of Outdoor Design Source: Exemplary Showcase — the industry portfolio that lets our clients strut their stuff.

The success of our inaugural edition last year has kept our spirits buoyed as we faced new challenges in the external works sector this year — riddled with uncertainty due to a certain global pandemic that will not be named here. Despite the uncertainties at the beginning of the year, the ODS team have been fortunate to witness the resilience of the landscape and external works industry as it soldiers on to get the job done.

Sometimes down but never out, we’ve seen our clients pivot, twist, flex and otherwise bend over backwards to accommodate a changing business climate and pull off some great projects, often under difficult circumstances. They’ve brought forth new products, learnt to operate under new site conditions, and corrected course to address the challenges of a ‘new normal’ in today’s industry — with outstanding results.

In a boon for the sector, open space, public space and greenspace have all had a big beaming spotlight shone on their significance this year. The understanding of how important recreational space and green infrastructure are to the general public, particularly in urban environments, has never been greater. As a result, the landscape and construction industry has been kept from total annihilation by infrastructure and open space projects supported by local, state and federal government initiatives. After an initial stall, we’ve seen the industry come back strong with a wealth of civil and commercial projects forging ahead to create recreation and leisure spaces that cater to the health and wellbeing of citizens everywhere.

And these are the people responsible for it!

6 | ODS Exemplary Showcase

Within the pages of this publication you’ll find a wealth of projects that illustrate the scope of innovation and productivity achieved by some of the people responsible for shaping our built environment. From nature-based playgrounds to waterfront recreation zones, public art in the shape of a numbat to FIFA-certified soccer fields, we’ve covered it all.

Demonstrating something from every aspect of the industry and giving you, our readers, an opportunity to see what our people are capable of, you’ll find projects that cover regional and urban centres across the nation.

From some of the country’s largest civil infrastructure upgrades to local builds that have reshaped a neighbourhood, all of the products and projects in this publication have done their bit towards the development of more liveable environments — with a few international examples thrown in for inspiration.

Despite the endless deadlines, constant worry about weather-related delays, and a fear of running out of words to do these projects justice, it has once again been our pleasure to put together the ODS Exemplary Showcase. We hope you enjoy our second offering and that you’ll drop us a line to let us know what you think.

Nicole

Nicole Mulloy | Editor PS. If you want to strut your stuff for the industry, get in touch with us to submit your outstanding public space project or innovative new product in next year’s Exemplary Showcase.

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CONTENTS 10

REGIONAL PLAY IN FULL BLOOM Proludic

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A CONNECTED DESTINATION FOR PLAY Urban Play

12

FORESHORE FUN Penfold Projects

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LANEWAY TO LEISURE StraBe

14

NATIVE FAUNA MARKS THE SPOT ACO Pty Ltd

30 32

40

A LANDMARK SOLUTION Landmark Products

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AN EDUCATION IN ECO-FRIENDLY Furphy Foundry

IT TAKES A VILLAGE Heka Group

42

MAKING SAND DUNES OUT OF MOLEHILLS Evolve Environmental Solutions

SERIOUS ABOUT FUN Austek Play

44

PETITE PLAY MAKES A BIG STATEMENT Omnitech Playgrounds

A WHISPER CAST IN CONCRETE Benzini Precast Concrete

46

MANUFACTURING GREEN G8A & Rollimarchini

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A DIAMOND IN GOLD COUNTRY Marcus Constructions

50

FROM FLAMES TO FLOWERS Entanglements

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#ARTIFICIALGOALS FieldTurf Australia

18

KEEPING IT LEVEL Stoddart Infrastructure

20

A TREEHOUSE LIKE NO OTHER Art Dinoveau

36

BRINGING NEW LIFE TO THE COMMUNITY Futurewood

OPEN SPACE MEETS COASTAL COOL Eureka Landscapes

38

FLAGSHIP WATER PARK FOR FLAGSTONE Playscape Creations

22

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100 90

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MANMADE LAKE SPARKS NATURAL FUN Waterscapes Australia

74

38

66

A PRECINCT OF FUN KOMPAN Australia

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TOTAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCEPTS Total Environmental Concepts

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WATERSIDE PLAY WITH AN ARTISTIC EDGE Play Workshop

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ON THE FAST TRACK Granite Works

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BESPOKE PLAY AT ITS BEST Moduplay

80

READY, STEADY, SPAGHETTI Kaebel Leisure

100

SHADERUNNER® TO THE RESCUE Shadeform

TAKING PLAY SKYHIGH Rhinoplay

102

JUST HANGING OUT Heka Group

A WINNING PARTNERSHIP California Sports Surfaces

56

THE PICK OF THE CROP Fleming’s Landscapes

60

NATURE-BASED GREENSCAPES Turenscape

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NATURAL PARKOUR PLAY Timber Creations Nature Play

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TAKING LEARNING OUTDOORS Steel Post and Rail

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SHEDDING A LIGHT ON PLAY WillPlay

84

PUMP UP THE JOY Parkitect Australia

104

WHERE WILL ALL THE TREES BE? Green Spaces Better Places

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COMIN’ ROUND THE BEND Grillex®

86

OUT OF THIS WORLD Proludic

106

PERMEABLE EROSION PROTECTION Australian Concrete Mats

90

INNOVATIVE LEARNING LANDSCAPE Endemic Landscapes

CULTURAL CONCERNS IN THE LANDSCAPE Kaylie Salvatori/Arcadia

108

TOTE PARK HOLDS ITS OWN PTA Landscapes

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WHAT IS PLACEMAKING? Project For Public Spaces

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CULTURAL DIVERSITY AT PLAY Playscape Creations

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ADVERTISERS INDEX ODS Exemplary Showcase | 9

PROJECT PROFILE

REGIONAL PLAY

IN FULL BLOOM One of the largest inclusive playspaces in Australia, Jacaranda Park is an imaginative journey into a natural wonderland

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ocated in Grafton in regional New South Wales, Jacaranda Park boasts an inclusive playspace that caters to kids of all ages and abilities with a range of play equipment from playspace specialists Proludic. From

the imagination of little players and provides a tangible link to the surrounding environment.

Representing the eastern part of the region, the Coastal Beaches play zone is designed to meet the needs of sea-loving kiddos.

graphics were added to the panels of the ship to give the impression of gliding across the high seas. Anchors, portholes, seagulls and cloud graphics all enhance the coastal theme.

Completing the Coastal zone is a smaller

Galleon ship to Kanopè rainforest tower, this iconic destination park includes something for everyone.

Commissioned by Clarence Valley Council, the playground designed by Proludic was inspired by the region’s natural environment.

Working closely with Council, from outcomes derived through community engagement and overseen by external consultants, Proludic developed unique play solutions that express the many facets of the area. Divided into three play zones; Coastal Beaches, Floodplain and Sandstone Country, the playground boasts an array of inclusive play solutions that boost

Featuring Proludic’s bespoke Galleon ship, this impressive three-masted structure stretches 20 metres from end to end. Sporting a fully accessible access ‘plank’, to aid entry onto the ship, and wide decks, circulating around the structure is made easier for people requiring mobility aids or using wheelchairs to join in on the fun.

Named after a ship that traded on the Clarence River in the 1850s, The Phoenix encourages kids to set sail on new adventures through physical, social, cognitive and sensory play activities. Using Proludic’s award-winning Grafic Games technology, custom wave

boat for toddlers and a Dippy the Dolphin inclusive springer, which encourages up to six children to play together. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a coastal area if there wasn’t a sand factory to encourage cooperative play, creativity and fine motor skills.

Moving up the age line, the Sandstone Country play zone represents the escarpments, forests and waterfalls that surround Clarence Valley. Targeting older children, Proludic’s Kanopè rainforest tower takes centre stage in this area. Soaring seven metres high, the nature-inspired rainforest tower enhances imaginative and active play.

10 | ODS Exemplary Showcase

Kids can climb the rope staircase to reach the play houses perched high up in the tower, before rocketing down to the ground via a thrilling spiral tube slide.

Packing just as much punch, the Ixo

dry creek bed, stepping stones or balancing equipment as they leap around the space.

Part of a larger park scheme, Proludic’s imaginative playspace is surrounded by community amenities that include a buddy

Multiplay unit extending off the Kanopè lets big kids test their strength and challenge themselves as they make their own rules. Add a kayak slide, climbing wall and fireman’s pole and you’ve got a structure for added thrills and spills as they build their skills. To cap it off, you can’t beat the custom-designed three bay swing that enables children of all ages to fly through the air together.

Representing the area adjacent to the Clarence River, the final play zone, the Floodplain, holds a diverse range of play activities and natural play elements. Wandering adventurers can choose from a water pump,

bench, picnic shelters, barbecues, park furniture, drinking fountains, all covered with soaring shade structures. The park and play zones are linked by an accessible pathway, which doubles as a handy riding track.

A much-needed community upgrade totalling $1.26 million in infrastructure and build costs, Jacarada Park is now a well-loved space in the Grafton area. “This is an amazing upgrade to Jacaranda Park and the new playground facilities will no doubt attract children and their families from Grafton and the wider Clarence Valley region,” claimed Mr Gulaptis, Member for Clarence.

One of the largest inclusive playspaces anywhere in Australia, Jacaranda Park took out a highly commended award at the 2020 NSW Local Government Asset Management and Infrastructure Initiatives.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Clarence Valley Council Location Grafton, NSW Design & Supply Proludic Installation Proludic Photography Simon Hughes Media

COMPANY Proludic P 1300 800 181 E info@proludic.com.au W Proludic.com.au

ODS Exemplary Showcase | 11

PROJECT PROFILE

FORESHORE FUN A public space with industrial appeal, East Shores Precinct is a good fit for its waterfront location and unlocking the area’s full potential

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ith a view to sustaining the site’s historical heritage, Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) engaged

landscape design and construction firm Penfold Projects to construct a world-class recreational precinct that would become a drawcard for locals and visitors to this iconic waterfront destination.

The Gladstone region has long been a popular tourist spot, presenting all the best Queensland has to offer in climate and conviviality. Now it’s got even more! Stage 1B of East Shores Precinct, which spans Flinders Parade, offers a water-play park, boardwalk with viewing platform, barbecues and open greenspace for play and exercise.

Part of an ongoing scheme initiated by GPC, Australia’s premier multi-commodity port enterprise, this revived open space is part of the

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company’s commitment to “growth, prosperity and the community.” Under development since 2016, East Shores Precinct is now fully complete

collaboration with the client, and utilising local suppliers and labour in order to boost the local economy and ensure community harmony,

and open to the public. “We are committed to contributing in a positive way to local communities in the regions in which we operate, to foster sustainable development and share the socio-economic benefits from our operations,” claims GPC. “We take great pride in providing social infrastructure for the region, such as the recreation and parkland facilities at the Gladstone Marina and East Shores Precinct.”

The upgraded recreation area reflects an industrial aesthetic that pays homage to its strong maritime history and is both culturally appropriate and fun. Working in close

Penfold Projects created vast turfed areas and planted zones that added plenty of lush greenlife to the waterfront project. TifTuf sporting turf was utilised to create a durable open space, while subtropical planting improved the precinct’s overall look and ensures the park’s longevity in the humid climate.

An open gym and playground give the design plenty of amenity, while a cinema space and barbecue area add even more fun functionality.

Rubber wetpour softfall was used to create smooth, soft surfaces that enhance the fall zone protection of both the playground and gym zones. A considered choice of ocean blue

for the surfacing will contribute to its longevity and durability, while softfall markings were incorporated to assist with workout routines and increase its function.

A hardscaped promenade bordering the shoreline makes the most of the views and provides plenty of accessible pathway for leisurely strolls. In addition, Penfolds installed coloured concrete as part of the edging works.

Despite the challenges of a remote location, a tight timeframe and site limitations to stockpile material, the team from Penfolds Projects pulled off the project in only 10 weeks. By employing their meticulous organisational skills, the team created a public space that offers plenty of amenity for all and forms a notable destination for tourism in Queensland.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Gladstone Ports Corporation Location Gladstone, Queensland Builder Hutchinson Builders Landscape Architect Urbis Softfall Surface Pro Group Turf Turf Works Group Plants Blue Sky Nursery & Boundary Nurseries Stencilling Brick N Pave Landscape Contractor Penfold Projects

COMPANY Penfold Projects P 07 3501 4405 W penfoldprojects.com.au

ODS Exemplary Showcase | 13

NATIVE FAUNA MARKS THE SPOT

Giving new meaning to support infrastructure, this public space project has a sleek and sophisticated look thanks to the innovations of ACO

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esigned to transform Mends Street in South Perth, the new Connect South visitor hub provides improved transport links and public open space for locals and visitors alike. Located between Mill Point Road and

lighting and wayfinding signage. But what truly makes it an iconic location is the giant numbat!

Providing a central transport link to Perth Zoo and greater access to other world-class recreation and tourism facilities the region has

of the piazza,” PLACE stated.

“The paving design for Mindeerup Piazza played a vital role in creating a strong place identity and imperative to wayfinding. The unique abstracted snakeskin paving pattern design

South Perth Esplanade, Mindeerup Piazza, as it is known, sits on the Swan River foreshore, offering stunning water views and clear vistas of the city skyline to those passing through.

A traditional Noongar name meaning “place of the shore”, Mindeerup acknowledges the Noongar culture and heritage of the area. Serving as gateway for the region, the pedestrian-friendly spaces feature amenities for public use such as abundant bench seating, shaded tables and chairs, greenspace, and a playspace for adventuring tykes. Set up as an events and performance space for city festivals and performances, the piazza also boasts feature

to offer, the designers of the space, PLACE Laboratory, wanted an iconic sculpture to serve as a landmark for the area — serving both a functional and aesthetic purpose for the space.

A six tonne, brightly-hued metal numbat sculpture designed by a local artist was chosen to mark the spot. Doubling as a canopy that provides shelter in inclement weather, the numbat — a marsupial native to Western Australia — is a visual feast on the horizon and a handy rain shelter.

“PLACE Laboratory curated a narrative of interwoven local stories, using them as a design device with which to order the design character

relates to the “animal parade” concept which extends the Perth Zoo experience through to the foreshore. The nature of the high-quality paving also created a highly walkable environment that could withstand heavy foot traffic,” it added.

Part of a federal plan to develop the foreshore, at a cost of over $7.5 million, the Mends Street project was key in the overall scheme. “The project is focused on improving public amenity through place activation, wayfinding, access to transport and greater economic opportunity,” stated Mayor Sue Doherty.

“It establishes a strong connect between the South Perth Foreshore and Mends Street,

14 | ODS Exemplary Showcase

PRODUCT PROFILE

creating a gateway to South Perth and the Perth Zoo, improving the pedestrian experience and reinforcing the links between South Perth, Elizabeth Quay and the Perth CBD.” An example of the government’s investment in priority infrastructure projects, the precinct delivers social and economic benefits to local communities, making it an important project for the city. As part of any scheme of this scope,

cable pits, to administer the functionality needed to keep the space connected and blend with the pavement finishes.

highly-functioning civil infrastructure is a must.

That’s where ACO comes in. As specialists in urban utilities for external cable and water management, ACO supply high-quality access covers and trench drains that enable maintenance with minimal surface interference, including options that complement all pavement finishes. These urban elements were specified for the unique way they both physically and visually interacted within the urban environment.

In order to provide the necessary cable enclosures for lighting, communications and security infrastructure, ACO supplied Rhinocast® access covers with Cablemate®

being strong enough to support maintenance and emergency vehicles without damage.

Access covers are critical elements that give access to essential service infrastructure — stormwater, sewer, gas, electrical and communications. These services can be routed through various pavement types, and while not always considered by the public, are nonetheless imperative to the success of any public space scheme. An unbroken pavement not only provides a trip-hazard-free surface for pedestrians — and numbats — but also makes maintenance and repairs safely accessible for city workers.

The Rhinocast® iron access covers with decorative edging allow pavers to be installed in a seamless finish with the adjacent pavement.

Therefore, the uniform aesthetic of the final product met the designers’ brief that the new pits “not be an eyesore on the pavements”, while also

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Engineering Technology Consultants Location Mends Street, South Perth Developer City of South Perth Civil Contractor Denmac Access Covers & Cable Pits ACO Pty Ltd

COMPANY INFO ACO Pty Ltd P

1300 765 226

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sales@acoaus.com.au

W heelsafe.com.au | acoaus.com.au

ODS Exemplary Showcase | 15

#ARTIFICIALGOALS A series of artificial turf fields turns Casey Fields into a premier sport and leisure facility

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sing FieldTurf Australia turf systems, four new sports courts at Casey Fields in Cranbourne East have established the venue as a top-quality, FIFA-certified site for high-value play in Melbourne’s south-east.

With demand for soccer facilities on the rise, the City of Casey launched a proposal to build the Casey Soccer Centre of Excellence.

A project of significance for the region, the

sand infill and Thermagreen 20 shockpads. Field three was also laid with FieldTurf 360XL 50-13 and Thermagreen shockpads, but received an infill of PureFill natural cork and sand.

One of its most popular synthetic turf carpets, FieldTurf 360XL offers superior natural grass aesthetics and is exceptionally durable. Using it in the Casey Field project guarantees less skin friction and abrasion for players. As one of the

materials. Providing safety protection with appropriate cushioning to absorb impact, infill sets the foundation for a field’s performance.

Offering traction for players, choosing the right infill is key to offering a playing surface commensurate with natural grass. All infill used at Casey Fields met stringent European requirements. A cost-effective solution, the SBR ambient rubber is non-toxic, while PureFill

scheme consisted of a stadium with a natural turf pitch and a community pavilion with change rooms, plus four synthetic soccer pitches. The facility offers a range of sports amenities that can be utilised for state, regional and local programmes, contributing to an increase in participation and the development of soccer in the local area.

Geared toward both training and match activity, the four floodlit sports fields were outfitted by FieldTurf Australia with FIFAqualty turf systems to maximise play. Fields one and two were laid with FieldTurf 360XL 50-13 artificial turf, with SBR (ambient rubber) and

most high-performance playing solutions on the market, 360XL is soft, player-friendly and ideal for ball-surface interaction.

Field four was laid with PlayMaster, a carpet-based hybrid grass technology that gives horizontal reinforcement to the natural grass of a pitch. With matting directly installed and grown onsite, PlayMaster turf provided a highly stable surface, enabling safe and optimal playing performance at Casey Fields, along with a natural grass feel for the comfort of players.

Ensuring professional installation and lasting performance, the SBR and PureFill infill used on the project was derived from the best quality

is an eco-friendly, natural solution that is recyclable and sustainable; harvested from cork oak trees every nine years, without harming the trees.

PureFill cork infill has been proven to help reduce the surface temperature of synthetic turf.

It is a solution FieldTurf Australia and Turf One highly recommend when the pitch is used all year long, even during the Australian summer.

As one of the leading manufacturers of synthetic grass in Australia, FieldTurf Australia delivers high-performance systems for sports, landscape and commercial applications. A select member of the FIFA Preferred Producer

16 | ODS Exemplary Showcase

PROJECT PROFILE

programme, FieldTurf were the ideal choice to outfit Casey Fields to ensure longevity and high performance for the facility.

Working closely with TurfOne, its professional build partner responsible for installation and construction, FieldTurf designed and manufactured the turf system in its NSW factory.

Ongoing care was also factored in, with TurfOne retaining the maintenance contract to sustain the pitches into the future. In addition, the project included the construction of carparks and perimeter fencing, with ball-catching fences, the installation of LED lighting, and linemarking for futsal and junior mini games.

With a pavilion supporting both male and female players and a series of multi-use fields with top-of-the-line surfaces, the Casey Soccer Centre of Excellence has a winning future ahead.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client City of Casey Location Cranbourne East, Victoria Consultant SportEng Contractor Turf One Lighting BTM Electrical Sports Equipment HELO Sports Synthetic Turf FieldTurf Australia Hybrid Turf FieldTurf Inc (USA) Photography Saga Creative

COMPANY FieldTurf Australia P 02 9316 7244 E info@fieldturfaust.com.au W fieldturf.com.au

ODS Exemplary Showcase | 17

KEEPING IT LEVEL Reservoir Station is sporting a new look that puts its platform all aboard for the first stage of its long journey

P PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Victorian Government Location Reservoir, Victoria Architect Genton Architects Landscape Architect McGregor Coxall Infrastructure Design Stoddart Infrastructure Manufacture & Install Stoddart Infrastructure

COMPANY Stoddart Infrastructure P

1300 557 654

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info@stoddart.com.au

W stoddart.com.au

18 | ODS Exemplary Showcase

art of the Level Crossing Removal Project happening in Victoria, the Reservoir crossing was removed in 2019 and eventually replaced with a rail bridge over High Street, which included a brand new station.

Completed in stages, the project included extensive landscaping works around the station precinct, the reinstallation of a new bus interchange and public carpark, as well as the construction of a public plaza and improved

public infrastructure specialist Stoddart, the bespoke platform furniture and landscape furniture suites created are comprised of a mixed material palette of galvanised mild steel, aluminium, stainless steel, speciality timber and masonry. This combination of materials ensures strength and longevity, as well as aesthetic appeal for the collections, which will enable them to handle these high traffic environments for years to come. LED lighting was also integrated into

shared-use pathways for pedestrians and cyclists. One of 75 congested level crossings being removed across Melbourne by 2025, the completion of Reservoir Station is a boon to the ongoing success of the scheme.

To complete the station and forecourt and bring it to its full level of functionality, street furniture suites, flexible bike parking solutions and safety bollards from Stoddart Infrastructure were specified for the project. The installation of furniture and civic infrastructure contributes to the activation of the space for passengers and the wider community.

Designed, manufactured and installed by

the suites for additional safety and functionality.

Manufactured to MTM specifications and DDA-compliant, the platform furniture suite fulfils all seating requirements for the station precinct and is rendered in mild steel and stainless steel.

This hardy selection has the added benefit of being anti-vandal, making it a cost-effective and low maintenance addition to the public scheme.

Enlivening the central pedestrian plaza beneath the station, the landscape furniture suite, though equally durable, has the added addition of speciality timber and masonry to give it a little extra design flair. An arched under-profile with a slatted timber top provides

PROJECT PROFILE

long, wide lengths for plenty of seating, while the addition of back and arm rests mid-length increases compliance to meet the needs of all members of the community.

Designed with water sensitive urban design (WSUD) features at play, Stoddart were also responsible for the manufacture and installation of speciality tree guards in the station forecourt, to protect the young native trees planted and assist with runoff. The unique design of the tree guards contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of the public space, while the WSUD elements ensure adequate water for the trees and sufficient runoff egress for the plaza.

While still an ongoing concern, the Level Crossing Removal Project is one of Victoria’s largest civil infrastructure endeavours to date.

With over half of the level crossings already gone, the city is experiencing a surfeit of new public spaces popping up across town that offer a host of recreation and greenspaces for citizens and visitors. This is contributing not only to public safety, due to less traffic congestion, but an increase in health and wellbeing through physical activity. In business for over 25 years, Stoddart Infrastructure is proud to play its part in deploying this ambitious project and contributing to the evolution of a city.

ODS Exemplary Showcase | 19

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perating in the realm of commercial art, sculptural play structure company Art Dinouveau specialises in natureinspired play equipment and botanical concept furniture. With a background in the film industry, this unique company melds artistic vision with fastidious attention to detail to craft magical pieces that transform playspaces into mythical wonderlands that enhance a love of nature and stimulate the imagination.

Created by a knowledgeable team of sculptors, artists and craftspeople, the team at Art Dinouveau have outdone themselves with their latest creation — The Treehouse. An interactive climbing structure with curved slide and numerous play elements, The Treehouse is a custom-designed unit that can’t help but delight players of all ages.

Inspired by a childhood spent in nature and a love of climbing trees, The Treehouse is the brain child of Alan Groves. Alan sculpts and paints each structure for Art Dinouveau, paying close attention to the subtlest detail, transforming them into child-friendly and industry-compliant forms that capture the wonder present in nature.

Resembling a faerie-tale tree straight out

A TREEHOUSE LIKE NO OTHER

Bringing nature to life through sculptural play structures, Art Dinouveau creates a magic treehouse that offers oodles of fantasy fun 20 | ODS Exemplary Showcase

of an enchanted forest, The Treehouse hosts an array of interactive play activities to keep children entertained. Two individual cubby spaces offer places to perch, while a curved slide adds action for energetic players. In addition to its three-dimensional form, a variety of sculptural features including possums, frogs and owls can be discovered adorning the structure, peering out from under the leafy canopy and from between the gnarly bark.

The ground-level cubby sits in the ‘hollowedout’ trunk of the tree. Inside a wondrous sight awaits the pint-sized explorers who enter — a gentle, ethereal light that emanates from the

PRODUCT PROFILE

illuminated glow worms that dwell within. Bright orange fungi stools serve as seating in the cubby, while a snoozing owl and a contingent

fibreglass and polyurethane paint, finished with a resilient graffiti-proof varnish. Suitable for children of all ages, this spectacular structure is a delightful

of frogs, geckos and snails wait patiently for new play companions.

Forming a ladder up the side of the tree lies a series of bright orange bracket fungi, inviting children to scale to the upper level cubby space for more adventures. Hidden among the ‘foliage’ of the treetops, this cosy cubby encourages solo or group play in the quiet of the canopy. When ready, the tree-dwellers can shoot back down to the ground via the 3-metre curved slide that wraps around the trunk beneath the branches.

To guarantee durability and strength, The Treehouse is manufactured from heavy-duty

addition to parks, schools, hospitals, childcare centres and retail play environments of all scales.

Designed to inspire and amuse, The Treehouse is a charming standalone play structure, or can be combined with any of Art Dinouveau’s unique collection of interactive sculptures. Choose elements from the company’s Art for Play range, which includes caterpillars, ladybirds, daisies, frogs, bees, even a giant prehistoric climbing turtle, hollow logs and so much more, to create engaging colourful indoor or outdoor play zones that celebrate nature and inspire joy in all who come to play.

PRODUCT SPECS Dimensions 2.43m (H) x 2.2m (W) x 2.8m (L) Height of fall 1.8m (maximum) Composition & Manufacture Heavy-duty fibreglass, polyurethane paint, graffiti-proof varnish Installation Six fixing brackets at ground level Flooring Recommended wetpour/ rubber softfall for maximum stability

COMPANY Art Dinouveau P 07 3289 0165 E info@artdinouveau.com W artdinouveau.com

ODS Exemplary Showcase | 21

OPEN SPACE MEETS

COASTAL COOL A new coastal estate elevates village living with an active public space that won’t leave residents cast ashore

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ocated between Caloundra and Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, the recently completed Stockland community, Bokarina Beach, encompasses approximately 30 hectares of prime coastal landscape. Part of a masterplanned community, the area was designed to provide residents of the beachfront parcels of land with

for installing generous barbecue and seating areas incorporating the coastal path that links the beach to the dune wetland boardwalk. This extensive path network facilitates travel by bike or pedestrian traffic, with much less room for cars.

Lighting in trees and highlighting hardscaped structures also provide security for users and invite evening leisure activities.

structures from which kids can swing, climb, slide, scramble and explore to their heart’s content.

Giant square planters with mature trees double as shaded seating areas for patient parents and carers, while expansive shade sails soaring over play equipment ensure adventuring tykes are well covered in the Sunshine State.

Additional custom seating incorporated into

the dream coastal lifestyle — an urban heart with a coastal soul.

In order to best serve the project, an expansive park, domain space and playground with custom play structures was constructed by the principal contractor, Eureka Landscapes.

Designed by architectural firm AECOM, the whole estate has a coastal theme reflected in lush pandanus palms and large Norfolk Pines.

As a local nesting ground for turtles, these intriguing sea creatures were also used to highlight the coastal theme throughout the park.

Providing usable public space spanning north to south along the coast, Eureka was responsible

Sitting between the beach and Lake Kawana, a planned lake at the centre of the neighbourhood, this network of pathways enhances the wellbeing lifestyle the community promotes. Offering plenty of biking and walking opportunities, along with kayaking and swimming in the lake, the Bokarina village demonstrates an abundance of beautifully landscaped greenspaces and plenty of active and passive amenity.

Keeping the youngest members of the community happy is a custom playscape designed and constructed by Eureka. An expansive area flooded with timber elements, to keep the ‘natural’ vibe going, the playground doesn’t lack for

walls throughout the public space gives visitors plenty of places to gather, and a large decked barbecue area becomes the heart of celebrations with family and friends — all interlinking with other coastal walkways. Contributing to the overall scheme, the domain space between the barbecue shelter and Bokarina Boulevard was also incorporated into the project to house future market events.

Offering something for everyone, this contemporary coastal development will afford residents a pedestrian-friendly environment that makes the most of the location through a wellplanned landscape.

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PROJECT PROFILE

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Stockland Developments Location Bokarina Beach, Queensland Landscape Architect AECOM Structures Watkins Steel Shelters Fleetwood Urban Play Equipment Urban Play Custom Furniture DRA Services Landscape Contractor Eureka Landscapes

COMPANY Eureka Landscapes P 07 3350 8300 E eureka@eurekalandscapes.com.au W eurekalandscapes.com.au

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PROJECT PROFILE

A CONNECTED

DESTINATION FOR PLAY With the aim of constructing a playscape that connects a community, Tucker Family Park offers something for everyone all day long

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overing an entire hectare, Tucker Family Park is comprised of four sections that form a playground, multipurpose sports park, fitness zone and off-leash dog park. Designed by Urban Play to feed the needs of the whole family, the park is a state-ofthe-art facility that encourages a community to get outside and get active, together.

Part of the Brentwood Forest Estate developed by AVID Property Group, Tucker Family Park is located within Bellbird Park in the City of Ipswich region of Queensland. A masterplanned estate, Brentwood Forest is

nestled in a wooded enclave and offers residents a family-orientated community that exudes space and natural tranquillity. Boasting a host of schools, shops, sports facilities, retail services and leafy parks, the neighbourhood is an adventure wonderland — with a killer recreation zone!

When AVID Property Group approached

tiered park uses the rare Hoops Pines found on the site along with creative landscaping to maintain the natural vibe of the area.

Challenging the mind and the body, Urban Play created a senior play zone that includes a gigantic four-level Cube Tower that is hard to miss. Sitting boldly atop a hill, the Quad Cube

Urban Play about designing and constructing the park, they were adamant about creating a destination space that would get kids and older generations out and moving. They wanted the whole family to experience the benefits of the outdoor spaces on offer and develop a place that would buzz with activity and a sense of community all year round. To align with the developer’s vision for connection, Urban Play designed a state-ofthe-art fitness hub and multipurpose sports court to sit alongside a playground, allowing families to exercise and play together. Utilising the existing topography, the resultant multi-

Tower is jam-packed with challenging play activities catering to a variety of ages. From the top, children are aligned with the tree canopy and are afforded a 360-degree view across the estate.

When they tire of the view, they whizz back down to the ground via an 18-metre long slide.

The junior play zone, just like the senior play area, offers an array of play opportunities that encourage physical, social and cognitive development. A KOMPAN double-tower play unit offers music panels, slides, curly climbers and balancing nets to encourage pint-sized tykes to learn through play. They can also work off some excess energy on the springer,

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PROJECT PROFILE

spinner or see-saw — which also provide them with balance, proprioception and muscle strength training. But don’t tell them that!

To keep the whole family young and fit, Urban Play also created a fitness space that utilises intergenerational design principles to engage everyone. A grass pitch with goal posts offers a clear field for football and soccer games the whole family can engage in. The MUGA multi-purpose sports court encourages basketball and other ball games. A covered fitness park also offers an extensive range of static and dynamic exercise equipment. For the serious-minded fitness fanatics — or even just the first-timers — the fitness equipment is supported by a digital app that assists users to plan their workouts and guide the use of the machines, so users get the full benefit of this amazing space.

For peace of mind, the park was designed with clear sightlines, which means parents and carers can feel comfortable working-out while their kids run wild in the play zones and still be able to see them. “It’s brought the community together,” claims Peter Macleod, Development Manager for Avid Property Group. “We’ve got fantastic feedback to all the different uses within the park and it’s been a fantastic gathering place for the whole community.”

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client AVID Property Group Location Bellbird Park, Queensland Landscape Architect AECOM Landscape Contractor Eureka Landscapes Design & Install Urban Play & Kompan

COMPANY Urban Play P 07 3256 0554 E info@urbanplay.com.au W urbanplay.com.au

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LANEWAY TO LEISURE

Creating a safe and distinctive public space that blooms with artistic vision

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PROJECT PARTICULARS Client ACT Government Location Tuggeranong, ACT Landscape Architect AECOM Project Management TCCS Design & Install StraBe Group

COMPANY StraBe Group P 1300 979 343 E team@strabe.com.au W strabe.com.au

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ringing renewed life to the town centre of Tuggeranong in the ACT is The Laneway.

A central open space hub that spears off Anektell Street and leads down to the Lake Tuggeranong foreshore, this reactivated area once again offers an accessible, safe and inviting usable space to visitors while re-establishing a visual connection to the lake.

A civic space originally built in the 80s, The Laneway had become cluttered and tired.

Difficult to access and overgrown with trees, the area was unappealing, negatively impacting local commercial activity. After community consultation in 2018, ACT Government proposed a concept design that would improve accessibility, attract more economic prosperity, and create a safer, more enjoyable space for users both local and from out of town.

Plans for the area included better pedestrian access from Anketell Street through to the waterfront, spaces for outdoor dining and café seating, retaining walls with inbuilt seating, water permeable paving to handle storm runoff, functional raingardens on either side of Cowlishaw Street leading to the foreshore, a host of deciduous trees and a grass area near the lake, as well as a central open space suitable for public events, and new shade structures with an artistic bent. To help fulfil this list, StraBe Group, experts

in street furniture and design-focused urban space, were enlisted to design and manufacture a suite of street furniture for the project, along with bike racks and custom shade structures.

Working to a brief that required distinctive design and natural hues that would bring warmth to the space, StraBe collaborated with AECOM and Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) on the design and construction of the units needed to outfit the plaza. Contemporary street furniture and bike racks manufactured for durability and longevity dot the space, increasing functionality and usability in the area. But it is the shade structures that make all the difference!

Constructed to resemble flower petals, the artistic design of the shade structures are an inspiring sight that unfolds across the square.

Perforated metal canopies fill organic-shaped steel frames to provide plenty of dappled shade for those relaxing beneath. Blending harmoniously with the greenlife added to the scheme, the petal-like structures give the entire area a woodland feel that is visually appealing and exceedingly practical. Sitting at different heights and spreading varied shade patterns across the surface of the plaza, the artistic structures add layered complexity to the overall design that have contributed to the successful reactivation of this central town square.

PROJECT PROFILE

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IT TAKES

A VILLAGE Featuring ferny gardens and wide paths meandering through grassy stretches, this new village park is a budding landscape ripe for future growth

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pread across 3.4 hectares, Buderim Village Park is an evolving public greenspace bursting with potential. Instigated by Sunshine Coast Council, the new parkland is a community-use open space located in the township of Buderim in Queensland that was designed to provide a link to nature and a space for recreations for locals and visitors to the region.

With an arrival plaza facing the corner of King and Church streets, the overall park scheme opens up to include a village green, open greenspace for recreation, internal pathways forming an upper and

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lower promenade, a viewing terrace, children’s play area, extensive plantings, a village square and multifunctional event space, along with barbecue areas and suitable parking for park users. The scheme also makes provisions for future recreation trails leading out of the park and into natural bushland.

A staged development that has been taking place over the past couple of years, the latest upgrades to the park include the installation of a full metal package fabricated and installed by Heka Group. Comprising barbecue and shade shelters and a butterfly-roof structure over

PROJECT PROFILE the entertainment stage, along with balustrading throughout the park, the scope of works performed by Heka Group take the Buderim Village Park project into the next and final stage of its development.

Providing much needed cover from the elements, Heka Group, together with Sunshine Coast Council and JBD Steel Detailing, designed a series of shelters in steel and aluminium in an artistic representation of the region, with open sightlines that allow users to take in the sprawling mountain views and oceans vistas. Built to handle the harsh climate of the region, the structures received a protective coating that would ensure longevity within the park.

To secure safety and accessibility within the open space, Heka Group were also responsible for outfitting the park with steel fabricated balustrading.

The clean lines and open framework of the balustrading meets the regulations required for public spaces, without impeding the astounding views — particularly from the viewing platform.

The standout feature of Buderim Village Park, however, is the entertainment stage. Erected to house public events and performances, the entertainment stage is edged in natural stone that settles it into the landscape seamlessly. Spreading over the stage is a butterfly-roof structure of steel and aluminium constructed by Heka Group. A monolithic arrangement that provides shelter over the stage as well as architectural appeal for the park, this event space is visible from everywhere in the park. In addition, aluminium laser-cut decorative panels line the back of the stage, celebrating the history of the region through their artistic representation of local flora and fauna.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Sunshine Coast Council Location Buderim, Queensland Contractor Murphy Builders Steel Detailing JBD Steel Detailing Fabrication & Install Heka Group

COMPANY Heka Group P 07 5476 8300 E hello@hekagroup.com.au W hekagroup.com.au

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MAKING SAND DUNES OUT OF MOLEHILLS Enhancing its coastal beauty, this waterfront rehabilitation project makes beach access for residents a breeze

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ocated just an hour north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast, Bokarina Beach is a masterplanned community offering everything residents need for a coastal lifestyle of sun, sand and surf. With a network of walkways and cycle paths connecting users to the beach, this oceanside location offers space for a healthy and active lifestyle. Making it possible is a 182-metre-long footpath known as the Bokarina

integration of all layers of the environment.

Folding in a respect for and acknowledgement of the layers included a nesting sea turtle habitat, as well as the cultural heritage of remnant Melaleuca forests, all while ensuring public facilities were operational.

In order to achieve harmonious integration, the design brief called for the construction of a footpath to be woven through the sensitive

Beach Dune Crossing.

Constructed by rehabilitation specialists Evolve Environmental Solutions, the Dune Crossing aids residents, Surf Life Saving Queensland and emergency services to access the beach through a sensitive landscape.

Traversing the hind dune Melaleuca forests, dunal Banksi and Pandanus community, as well as Spinifex grass to get to the ocean, this integrated walkway is an important infrastructure route for protecting the environment and incorporating functionality into the newly developed region.

As the principal contractor on the project, Evolve was engaged to ensure the seamless

dunal communities, in order to formalise access for a newly developed bathing zone on the beach. Hardscaping was achieved in line with the Sunshine Coast Council’s design and access requirements, while vegetation was planted to reinstate the dunal ecosystem disturbed by recent construction.

Key features of the project include the construction of a Lifeguard Tower, a timber viewing deck and fully accessible beach access for pedestrians. Keeping consistent with Sunshine Coast beach front communities, rehabilitation plantings were chosen from native species.

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PROJECT PROFILE

Maintaining its natural charm while installing the infrastructure needed to secure and protect the native habitat, Evolve were able to create a balanced landscape that offers ease of use and safe access to beachgoers with plenty of amenity that doesn’t blight the view.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Sunshine Coast Council Location Bokarina Beach, Queensland Landscape Architect AECOM Shelters Fleetwood Plant Supply Tubestock Nursery Australia & Greenstock Nursery Strucutres & Construction Evolve Environmental Solutions

COMPANY Evolve Environmental Solutions P 07 3124 7200 E admin@evolveenvironmental.com.au W evolveenvironmental.com.au

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PETITE PLAY MAKES A BIG STATEMENT

Bringing a splash of vibrant colour to a quiet neighbourhood in sore need of recreation space

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ocated in Warrnambool, Victoria Park is a modest neighbourhood park serving a large suburban community. At the behest of Warrnambool Council, playground specialists Omnitech Playgrounds were engaged to design and construct a new playscape to better serve the needs of the area.

Wanting to create a recreation space that would suit all ages and provide amenity for the whole family, supplying them with a place to gather and enjoy the outdoors, Omnitech worked with Council to design a multi-use

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park. Bright colours and a central tower that would serve as a beacon to the neighbourhood were key features requested for the scheme.

As the sole contractor on the project, Omnitech was responsible for completing all works including installing a shelter and street furniture, construction of a half-court for ball sports, pathways to aid access, landscaping and fencing, and the supply and installation of play equipment.

Creating a compact yet vibrant space that accommodates play and adult leisure, Victoria

PROJECT PROFILE

nature-play zone complete with timber teepee. Combining the modern with the natural offers players of all ages the opportunity for both traditional and sensory nature play that enhances the overall park experience.

Rounding out the playscape is the Omniswing and Atlas Spinner, as well as a half-court for ball games.

Perimeter fencing and softfall mulch, blown in by Mulch Xpress, add function and safety to the park space.

Given its proximity to the coast, all play equipment installed is marine grade to ensure it will last in a coastal environment — making it a definite value-add for Council.

Park features a custom-designed central tower from which a range of play activities emerge.

A spiral slide, underdeck rope activities, junior slide and ground-level elements provide an array of play challenges for all levels. The modern-industrial-style tower surges skyward, offering intrepid climbers great views over the landscape, set off by the vivid colours of its construction. Sprouting various elements in bright shades of orange, green and blue, the tower sits alongside a more subtle play area.

Nestled next to the shade shelter that spreads over convenient table and bench settings sits a

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Warrnambool City Council Location Warrnambool, Victoria Mulch Mulch Xpress Contractor Omnitech Playgrounds Design & Install Omnitech Playgrounds

COMPANY Omnitech Playgrounds P 03 9459 9666 E info@omnitech.com.au W omnitech.com.au

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BRINGING NEW LIFE TO THE COMMUNITY

Going for long-term value during a community centre upgrade, composite timber decking paves the way for longevity in the neighbourhood

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n important part of community life in the area, the Balwyn Community Centre represents a physical and social wellbeing outlet for a large sector of the region. Like many such government-run facilities, it serves as the heart of the neighbourhood, providing recreational amenity and social education opportunities across a broad spectrum.

Everything from tennis courts to a community garden, a full contingent of educational programmes from language classes to arts and crafts, as well as childcare services and

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event venue hire can be found at the Balwyn Community Centre. In order to meet the expanding needs of a growing and increasingly diverse population, Boroondara Council instigated a $7 million upgrade of the popular centre, in-line with community feedback.

No longer suitable for the burgeoning list of programmes and activities the centre provides, the expansion project included creating new function spaces for group activities, the relocation of the Balwyn Maternal and Child Health Centre, increasing

the occasional childcare facilities, as well as enhancing the park setting and revitalising the natural wetlands on the site, along with the construction of a new recreation zone and general landscape improvements.

Wanting to ensure longevity for the upgrades, composite-timber specialists Futurewood were specified by the architects to supply the materials required to construct new decking and screening across the project. Going with Futurewood’s CleverDeck Original timber composite in Weathered Stone, the natural earth

PRODUCT PROFILE

PROJECT PARTICULARS tone blends the new construction in beautifully with the existing architecture and the wellestablished bushland setting of the centre.

Made with 90 percent reclaimed/recycled timber and plastic, with a sanded surface that reveals a realistic timber look, CleverDeck Original is a cost-effective alternative to natural timber. Hardwearing, CleverDeck will not rot, cup, split or warp. It is termite and white ant resistant, with no knot holes, splinters or tannin leaching to worry about. Fully finished and ready to install, using a complete concealed

fix system for quick and easy installation, CleverDeck requires no painting or oiling. As a composite timber, this innovative product is low-maintenance and has a low water absorption rate. Its P5 slip-rated surface also makes it safe for extensive use in public areas.

Used to construct walkways, ramps, railings, park furniture and clad buildings on the Balwyn Centre project, CleverDeck has proven itself a viable material for large-scale civic projects, and contributed to improving community services for the Balwyn region.

Client Boroondara Council Location Surrey Hills, Victoria Decking & Cladding Supply Futurewood Photography Patrick Redmond Photography

COMPANY Futurewood P 1300 484 308 W futurewood.com.au

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FLAGSHIP WATER PARK

FOR FLAGSTONE A destination splashpark in Queensland brings much needed aquatic amenity to the area to offset the tropical climate

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ocated in the Logan City Council

region, 60 kilometres south-west of the Brisbane CBD, Flagstone is a burgeoning neighbourhood that is growing in popularity. In an effort to increase facilities for residents and provide attractions for visitors to the region, Council invested in local infrastructure with the commissioning of a new waterplay park.

With the rise of urban regeneration, new housing developments are faced with smaller lot sizes, leaving an increasing number of homes devoid of swimming pools. Not a great situation in a tropical climate. However, for the discerning council or developer, this means an opportunity to reimagine the role public outdoor spaces play

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in the lives of the communities in their regions.

Such was the case in Flagstone.

Flagstone Water Play Park was designed as a sustainable destination splashpark that would operate as a drawcard for local residents and visitors exploring the area. The hope being, the facility would improve the lifestyle value of the area and increase worth for the tourism sector.

The designated site for the project was a tiny 350 square metres and needed to cater for up to 800 users at one time, providing a sustainable aquatic experience. To create the impact desired for the park, a one-of-a-kind, multi-level play solution was proposed by Playscape Creations.

Putting in over 500 design hours, the design team at Playscape Creations developed a custom treehouse concept for the splashpark.

Taking into account a child’s innate need to climb, imagine and socialise, the magical treehouse theme was an effective motif and included additional features and ground-level activations to ensure full site utilisation.

The creation of such an ambitious design required a deep understanding of the fundamental logistics of water management, playground and aquatic safety standards and, of course, a generous dose of fun and imagination.

The park features a zero-depth watercourse with jets, blasters and bubblers that meanders

PROJECT PROFILE

through two smaller raintrees with cherry dumping buckets. The watercourse leads to the main event — a ten-metre-high climbable treehouse with water cascading from the perimeter of the canopy, two internal mega water-dumping buckets that activate waterplay above and below the treehouse deck, water cannons, and numerous other sprays and jets.

The hero feature of the raintrees are the massive geodesic domes that form the canopy of each tree; clad in hexagonal leaves to reflect a tree’s

to stabilise the site. To get the water flowing, over 10 kilometres of pipe running alongside underground water storage tanks were installed before the structural slab could be poured.

To maintain water quality, high-tech specialist equipment is used to recirculate water and save resources. All of the water used in the park is drained into underground storage tanks that then pass through an automatic filtration and sterilisation system, ensuring only clean, filtered water is delivered

canopy cover.

Critical to the success of the design’s domes was getting their structure right. Utilising geometric mathematics and 3D programmes, the design team created a structure that could be fabricated through the layering of curved bars and connecting nodes. Fabrication was achieved offsite and took over four months to complete.

One of the standout features of this project is the infrastructure that lies beneath the ground — the trees are simply the tip of the iceberg! To prepare the site for aquatic infrastructure, more than 200 cubic metres of bulk earthworks and the installation of 98 screw piers were required

to the splashpark.

Each of the water elements has been programmed into customised control systems to both provide variety and surprise to park users. This also permits each of the elements to rotate through an energy-saving cycle to prevent water pump overload.

The surface of the waterplay zones have been finished with Tuff Coat surfacing; a state of the art, non-slip, durable coating capable of withstanding an aquatic environment.

The vibrant blue and sandy colours are complemented by a stencilled hexagonal pattern that pays homage to the treetop canopy

and frames the whole playspace. Four custom hyper shade sails soar over the space, ranging in height from 4.5m to 7.5m, ensuring 220 square metres of shade for park users year round.

Highly invested in the project from the start, the community proved very supportive of the project. During its opening — attended by around 3000 people of all ages and abilities — surveys recorded a great deal of positive feedback, with non-residents even indicating they would consider making Flagstone their home.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client PEET Ltd & Logan City Council Location Flagstone, Queensland Landscape Architect URBIS Landscape Contractor Interface Landscapes Design & Supply Playscape Creations

COMPANY Playscape Creations P 1300 669 074 E info@playscapecreations.com.au W playscapecreations.com.au

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PROJECT PROFILE

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A LANDMARK

SOLUTION Meeting council’s decree for unisex changing facilities, this modified sport and recreation amenity is a winner

ollowing an increasing demand for unisex facilities to accommodate the growing trend in female sports, Landmark Products delivered a 2-stage project for Gympie Regional Council in Queensland in order to match the capacity needed for local clubs to welcome more female teams for competition and training.

As specialists in the design, manufacture and installation of sport and recreation facilities, Landmark constructed a 23.6m x 8.8m (K8104) and a 23m x 10m (K8105) structure to cater for multiple teams of both male and female genders during competition and training in Gympie.

Working with numerous council departments to arrive at a design that met all of their considerable requirements, Landmark was able to draft a prefabricated solution that was a home run. After laying the initial amenity slab, Landmark then delivered to site the kit-form structures ready for installation.

Landmark’s design team worked with Council to deliver building designs that would withstand and respond to periodic flooding, including using durable materials for fast and effective post flood clean-up, to assist flood water escape, as well as installing removable hydraulic services and hot water system at short notice.

The K8105 facility was constructed with external Custom Orb vertical cladding to assist with drainage of flood water, and internal Maxirib cladding. The private shower and toilet areas were formed of compressed fibre cement (CFC) panels — in corresponding colour schemes to aid in identification of the change rooms as well as a focus on privacy.

For larger teams, internal roller doors allow the change rooms to be converted from 4 rooms into 2. The roof ridge was vented to assist with cooling, and custom interchangeable signage was integrated into the build to offer players of different genders greater flexibility throughout the season.

The use of durable materials not only mean fast and effective clean-up post flood, but also ensure robustness and longevity. And, with Landmark Product’s 10-year supply and 20year installer-approved installation warranties, Council can be assured this community asset will stand the test of time.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Gympie Regional Council Location Gympie, Queensland Design, Manufacture & Install Landmark Products

COMPANY Landmark Products P 1300 768 230 E landmark@landmarkpro.com.au W landmarkpro.com.au

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PROJECT PROFILE

AN EDUCATION IN

ECO-FRIENDLY Utilising environmentally friendly materials, this dynamic furniture suite got taken to school

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utfitting eight brand new schools across Victoria, street and park furniture and urban design company Furphy Foundry have gained top marks with a furniture suite that makes use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials.

Working with construction company ADCO, Furphy has designed, manufactured and installed the Flinders picnic setting and Precinct bench for inclusion in a number of new-build schools.

Part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to opening 100 new schools across the state between 2019 and 2026, the school building

friendly, highly durable and versatile, WPC is most typically manufactured from a 50/50 blend of wood products and plastics. It will not corrode and is highly resistant to rot or decay.

Like the Flinders range, the Precinct bench is a versatile and durable product made of 100 percent recycled plastic benchtops utilising high-density polyethylene (HDPE). A sustainable material manufactured from recycled plastic and waste product from industrial sources that can be recycled again and again, HDPE is low maintenance and ideal for creating varying shapes and configurations, with the added

boom includes flexible learning classrooms, safe and open play areas, and inclusive designs with modern facilities.

In keeping with the ethos of the school building blitz, Furphy’s furniture range was designed and manufactured with inclusivity and sustainability in mind. Utilising a robust design for high-traffic environments, the Flinders picnic settings offer students a sturdy place to gather and eat together. Made from wood-plastic composite (WPC) over a powdercoated, hotdipped galvanised steel frame, the settings are 100 percent Australian made and built to handle long-term use in harsh climates. Environmentally

benefit of being extremely resistant to mould, bacteria, mildew and insects, and has a service life expected to surpass that of timber. Bringing a little pizazz to the schoolyard, the Precinct suites were installed in a variety of vibrant colours across selected schools and laid out in an array of configurations to encourage gathering and provide plenty of seating; zigging and zagging across the schools like bright jewels dotting earthy landscapes.

Offering a host of benefits, these lowmaintenance, long-life assets have proven a cost-effective and functional inclusion across Victorian schools.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client USBA & ADCO Location Victoria Supply & Install Furphy Foundry/ Landmark Products

COMPANY Furphy Foundry P 1300 768 230 E sales@furphyfoundry.com.au W furphyfoundry.com.au

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SERIOUS ABOUT FUN Working with a nature-based brief, Dubbo’s latest playspace blends seamlessly with its surroundings and offers tonnes of inclusive fun

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Dubbo Regional Council Location Wellington, NSW Play Equipment Supply Austek Play Design & Installation Austek Play

COMPANY INFO Austek Play P 1300 433 364 E info@austekplay.com.au W austekplay.com.au

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asked with designing and installing an inclusive nature-based playground within historical Cameron Park in Dubbo, Austek Play designed a carefully thought-out plan to incorporate the extensive use of natural materials and achieve just the right note for Dubbo Regional Council. Located in Wellington, the new playspace offers a comprehensive selection of play structures to ensure something for everyone — regardless of age or ability.

Being a government-funded project, Dubbo Regional Council had very clear and defined

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socialisation and stimulate the imagination.

Within the wider scheme of the park, the playground utilises existing landscaping to create natural shade, highlighting sensible health and wellbeing objectives while enhancing a connection to nature through the local landscape. Keeping parents and carers comfortable, a series of seating areas was also created to ensure comfort and safety for all park users and encourage community engagement.

The notion of supporting multigenerational and community interaction is an important

objectives for the project, determined by extensive community consultation and internal planning. Led by the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play guidelines, which focus heavily on inclusivity and accessibility, Austek Play designed a playscape that clearly communicates the purpose and location of play elements and facilities.

Cameron Park houses six distinctive zones within the space, to provide a wide range of play opportunities for users of all ages and abilities.

In addition, the equipment installed was chosen to ensure both individual experiences and social interaction, giving everyone a chance to connect and gain the most benefit from the play options. Much of the equipment combines highly challenging developmental activities with interactive role-playing functions that encourage

aspect of the Austek Play design ethos. Careful not to reinvent the wheel each time, the company takes great care to offer traditional play activities — those tried and true units loved by kids of all ages — and incorporates opportunities for innovation through design. The Cameron Park playspace embraces inclusivity and accessibility through layout and equipment selection, but is also achieved by encouraging interaction with carers and users. This was accomplished through the intelligent use of surfacing. A mix of materials and the use of colour helps to assist in inclusivity and provides visual clues to accessibility, without sacrificing connectedness.

While each play zone has a specific purpose or target group, the elements chosen throughout the entire playspace are designed to attract and encourage all users to explore the entire space.

PROJECT PROFILE

The Senior Adventure Zone boasts a 4.95m Hags Uniplay Lycce Tower with an impressive stainless steel slide and visually striking centrepiece. Aimed at children 5-12 years of age, the platform-to-platform climbing activities are a great risk assessment task for users, but still offers ground-level equipment to draw the interest of younger children — so no one misses out. As does the Hags Spinmee roundabout,

access across all the play equipment. The Hags Eptix structure presents myriad challenges and activities with social and imaginative play opportunities. Not just easily accessed by players, this space provides easy access for parents and carers as well, helping them to be a part of the fun. Everyone loves the Goro Swing, which holds an intergenerational Tango seat and lets adults swing face-to-face with children, ensuring safety

which sits flush to the ground, making it highly usable for those with mobility impairment and wheelchair users.

A source of pride in the Junior Adventure Zone is the bespoke timber cubby. Geared towards the 0-5 year olds, the wooden structure is perched atop a manmade rubber embankment with built-in slide — providing just enough height interest for bigger kids. A series of timber steppers leading to the peak also make an interactive exploration for adventurers of all ages.

Ensuring inclusive opportunities for the mobility impaired and intergenerational mix, the last zone offers significant wheelchair

and positive interaction. And that’s only some of what is on offer at Cameron Park.

With every angle covered, the Cameron Park playscape is a rousing success with Dubbo residents. An important development in the regional town, this highly-considered park is a mark of pride in the community. “This new playspace has already done wonderful things for Wellington’s town centre,” claimed Ben Shields, Mayor of Dubbo.

“I am particularly proud of the inclusiveness of this entire space, not only the play elements, but the accessible path system, drinking fountain and the barbecue facilities.”

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A WHISPER

CAST IN CONCRETE Gracing the site of the newly redeveloped Commonwealth Games Athlete’s Village, the Whisper Seats are part art, part furniture

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apidly becoming one of Australia’s most liveable neighbourhoods, the Smith Collective is a vibrant residential and retail precinct located at the site of the 2018 Commonwealth Games Athletes Village on the Gold Coast in Queensland.

Billed as one of the country’s first build-torent communities, the complex is comprised of 18 apartment buildings and 82 double-storey townhouses, offered solely for long-term rent.

At its heart, a retail and dining hub stands backed by open greenspace and recreation parkland offering plenty of outdoor amenity for residents. In one of these public spaces built by The Landscape Construction Company (TLCC), stand the Whisper Seats.

A standout feature in an urban leisure space, the Whisper Seats are interactive park furniture manufactured, cast and finished by Benzini Precast Concrete. Set facing each other approximately 30 metres apart, the Whisper Seats are acoustically engineered to amplify sound waves coming from a whispered voice sitting in one of the seats — using a parabola-

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PRODUCT PROFILE

shaped curve to redirect and amplify sound into the ear of the person sitting opposite them.

Each unit is made up of a front block that forms the seat, with the parabola-shaped curved structure behind it. The back section, which is a maze of sophisticated angles in triangular formation, acts as a stabiliser and anchor support.

The precise geometry of the cast moulds is what makes the Whisper Seats unique, providing an interactive art element in the public space, while also supplying visitors a relaxing place to sit.

Specialists in precast concrete, Benzini has been Australia’s premier manufacturer of handcrafted stone and concrete products for over 25 years. No stranger to supplying custom precast products for landscapers, contractors and developers on commercial and civil jobs across the country, Benzini, as a leading player in the precast arena, was a natural choice for the Games Village project.

Manufactured and honed inhouse, the Benzinin design and construct team were able to employ their unparalleled attention to detail to achieve the exact arch and dimensions required to make the Whisper Seats work. The polished concrete finish and natural hue of the pieces give them an imposing and industrial aura that is complementary to the natural landscape and visually appealing to visitors.

A unique statement for a unique development, the Whisper Seats are an iconic addition to the area. With trends showing people are increasingly willing to forgo homeownership in favour of the quality of lifestyle and location offered by precincts such as this, according to Michael Woodrow, executive director of UBS Asset Management, construction of appealing public spaces can only be considered an asset to developments such as the Smith Collective.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client The Landscape Construction Company (TLCC) Location Southport, Queensland Contractor The Landscape Construction Company (TLCC) Precast Product Supply Benzini Precast Concrete Photography Glenn Weiss

COMPANY Benzini Precast Concrete P 07 5563 3555 E benzini@benzini.com.au W benzini.com.au

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INTERNATIONAL PROJECT

MANUFACTURING

GREEN A factory in Ho Chi Minh City gets the green treatment with a vertical scheme that offers all the benefits of passive design and saves on ground space

he result of a collaborative design effort between G8A Architects and Rollimarchini Architekten, the $8 millon (USD) Jakob Factory site is an innovative landscape that sets a new standard for “tropical

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With an economy that has moved from primarily agricultural concerns to focused industry in the past 30 years, the growth of industrial parks has more than doubled on the city’s outer ring.

The inevitable result of such rapid industrial

solution that saves on ground space. This approach provides usable outdoor space for factory workers and supports the environment, while eliminating the need for unnecessary, excessive land development.

sustainable architecture”.

Located in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, this verdant-fronted plantscape is the home of Jakob Rope Systems, steel rope producers specialising in custom-made steel meshing.

Working to an ethos that values social and environmental sustainability, from conception to implementation, the creative duo approached the project as a unique opportunity to develop a highly innovative and site-specific manufacturing space that would set a new benchmark in design.

At the centre of an industrial park, the 30,000 square metre site is a beacon of ingenuity in the country’s economic capital.

growth is the subsequent environmental impact from increased pollution and detrimental construction, transforming once lush greenspace into concrete wastelands focused on capitalist gain.

Concentrating on a new approach that would direct development through land-saving projects and incorporate elements of passive design, Rollimarchini and G8A proposed an environmentally friendly alternative with the Jakob Factory design. Utilising a vertical densification strategy that stacks usable zones, as an alternative to the conventional horizontal sprawl, the design team came up with a robust

The imposing facades of the structure offer a series of horizontal geotextile planters running along its length top to bottom, fronting a breezeway that sits between the outside and the interior factory space. More than just an attractive array of plantlife that cuts across the concrete predominance of the industrial landscape, this greenwall serves an important function in passive design. Offering both shade and rain protection, the porous façade forms a barrier that acts as a ‘skin’ that contributes to the lowering of the atmospheric temperature on the site through evaporation. A suspended structure supported by a two-layer rope

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network, the planter system also purifies the air and acts as a dust particle binder, ensuring a better quality environment for workers.

The central courtyard of the building features edged, grass mounds divided by crushed gravel pathways, aiding water flow from runoff through a permeable surface. Mature trees dot the lush mounds, providing additional shade and extending the lush, natural aesthetic.

While the exterior of the building is completely surrounded by this monumental greenwall system, the intelligent distribution of workspaces combined with completely modular interior walls form a comfortable working space with naturally ventilated manufacturing halls — a first for Vietnam and a boon to workers.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Jakob Siagon Location Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Architects G8A & Rollimarchini Photography Hiroyuki Oki & Severin Jakob

COMPANY G8A Architecture & Urban Planning E info@g8a-architects.com W g8a-architects.com Rollimarchini Architekten E kontakt@rollimarchni.ch W rollimarchini.ch

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A DIAMOND IN

GOLD COUNTRY Reflecting its gold mining history, this playspace is a shiny nugget of fun embedded in a picturesque Australian landscape

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ocated in Diamond Creek, 23 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, Victoria, Diamond Creek Reserve is a nature park featuring a series of trails and tracks for cycling and pedestrians that displays one of the best landscapes Australia has to offer. Wanting to raise the amenity and public facilities for the region, Nillumbik Shire Council contracted ACE Landscape Services to design and construct a new playscape within the Reserve.

Working with Council and the community, a nature-based theme was created for the playspace that would provide a high level of play experience for all ages and abilities, and would also pay homage to its bushland setting and its proximity to Diamond Creek. Using the region’s gold mining history as inspiration, the new Diamond Creek Regional Playspace features plenty of timber and natural stone, landscaped rises and open lawn.

Wanting to use play structures that not only stood the test of time but also fit with the natural and historical theme of the playscape, ACE contracted Marcus Constructions — Australian Sales Partner and authorised installer of Richter Spielgeräte play equipment. Specialists in

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playspace construction, Marcus Constructions deal directly with Richter Spielgeräte, supporting its “as much play value as possible, as much safety as necessary” ethos in all its projects.

With a focus on safety, stability, sustainability, and play value, Richter Spielgeräte play structures were the fitting choice for the Diamond Creek project. Celebrating the character of organic materials such as natural timber and all the beauty it offers, Richter Spielgeräte eschew coatings and lacquers that could be potentially harmful to the environment, instead expertly engineering each piece for safety and producing unique pieces for quality play that meet Australian standards.

What could look more authentic in a ‘gold rushinspired’ playspace?

Built to handle Australian conditions, the structures installed include a ‘mining village’ comprised of a series of accessible low-level ramps and bridges interconnecting a cluster of cubby houses, a unique timber climbing structure designed to offer physical challenges and maximum play value, alongside swings, slides and a ropes course, as well as a spectacular flying fox.

Built to resemble a mine poppet head — the wooden structures seen dotting goldfields used

PROJECT PROFILE

to haul equipment, ore, miners, and occasionally gold, out of underground mines — the flying fox slides little (and big) adventurers across a field of softfall mulch at thrilling speeds. Rounding out the playground is a sandpit, complete with ‘mining equipment’ kids can use to pan for gold-painted rocks — just like in the olden days.

Constructed at a cost of $2.5 million pulled from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, the Diamond Creek Regional Playspace sits alongside the new Tram Café, which was constructed out of a fully renovated historic W-class tram, one of 130 retired Yarra Trams given a new home through the State Government, and a walking labyrinth — a contemplative pathway woven into the landscape, used for walking and meditation.

The improvements made to the reserve were much needed by the local community and are a big hit with kids and adults alike, enhancing rather than destroying the natural beauty of the bushland environment.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client ACE Landscape Services Location Nillumbik, Victoria Contractors ACE Contractors Group Landscape Architect Stratis Play Equipment Supply Richter Spielgeräte Play Equipment Install Marcus Constructions

COMPANY Marcus Constructions P 03 9335 5722 E richter@marcuscon.com.au W marcuscon.com.au

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PRODUCT PROFILE

FROM FLAMES

TO FLOWERS A series of unique sculptures have boosted the visual appeal of a Queensland university campus to give it a welcoming touch

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hoosing to add appeal to its campus through art, a Queensland university has enacted a programme to introduce

a selection of artworks scattered throughout its grounds to enhance its beauty, generate a welcoming vibe and enhance campus interest for teachers, students and visitors alike.

Already known for its lush landscapes and heritage-listed buildings, campus administrators upped the ante with the installation of a series of sculptural elements across its 114 hectare waterfront site. Choosing from a selection of stock items, bespoke pieces and commissioned works, the campus grounds have become a wonderland of artistic discovery. From bike racks made of logs carved from a tree that fell on the grounds to steel garden art, quirky outdoor furniture made

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from recycled plastic and moss-covered rocks strategically placed in gardens, the selection of artistic landscape additions produce plenty of engaging sights to behold.

Going with an eclectic mix of sculptures, the university contacted Victoria-based metal sculpture studio Entanglements to select a few pieces from its stock items, as well as commissioning two bespoke works for the project.

Led by award-winning designer Helen Neyland, the team at Entanglements craft a range of unique metal art pieces for domestic and commercial applications, inside and out.

Working in collaboration with its clients through the process of choosing, sizing and fitting a piece to its desired location, Entanglements

laser cut nature of the piece; Sway Grass, which graces the centre of a roundabout on campus, is a weathered steel representation of native grasses that reflect the natural landscape; and, Marbles, a cluster of rusted steel balls in graduating sizes that provide a curved juxtaposition to the rectilinear building they sit in front of.

In addition, the team from Entanglements created the bespoke Flame sculpture. Made of Corten steel and placed in a garden bed on the campus grounds, the large flameshaped sculpture is a striking form that gives majesty to the waterside setting. The last piece commissioned by the company was a custommade Paper Plane of a metal mesh — yes, you read correctly, a giant mesh folded plane!

carries an extensive range of stock items or can adapt designs to fit individual needs.

Fabricated inhouse by a team of specialist craftspeople, Entanglements’ creations range from metal wall art to privacy screens, decorative partitions, firepits, outdoor furniture, planter and wall gardens, as well as gates, fencing and, of course, sculpture. With such a large selection to choose from, selecting a series of campus sculptures would have been a walk in the park.

Stock items purchased from Entanglements for the campus project include: Flower Ball, a spherical sculpture of Corten steel with internal lighting that when lit highlights the delicate

Secured to the roof of a facilities building beside the sports fields, the paper plane draws the eye with its unique placement and adds a touch of appealing whimsy to the site.

Servicing customers Australia-wide, Entanglements is well equipped to handle a large order of multiple items. Working closely with the client, the team was able to help the university choose or design the right pieces for the campus, fabricate to specifications, then professionally and securely ship the items interstate to be installed onsite, giving the university exactly what they needed to bring new life to the campus grounds.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Location St Lucia, Queensland Design & Fabrication Entanglements Shipping Entanglements Photography Glenn Weiss

COMPANY Entanglements P

1300 886 811

E

info@entanglements.com.au

W entanglements.com.au

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MANMADE LAKE SPARKS NATURAL FUN Australia’s largest naturally filtered, purpose-built conservation and recreation lake sets the tone for nature-based fun

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PROJECT PROFILE

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eaturing its own waterfall, 125 metres of private beach, an island and large rock placement, Lake Gkula in Woodfordia, Queensland, is a manmade paradise designed for fun and wildlife protection.

Home of the Woodford Folk Festival, the property has been developed as an event site

by Woodfordia Inc since 1994. Growing to become the internationally renowned event it now is, organisers of the festival wanted to ensure the property was more than just the site for the annual festival, they wanted it to become a haven for wildlife.

With a desire to leave a legacy for future

Kicking off the rehabilitation, a tree planting weekend was organised back in 1997. Now an annual event, The Planting, as it is known, was about getting as many trees planted as possible.

Volunteers of all ages came to help, putting in over 100,000 trees, which after 20 years has transformed the site from wild paddock to organic parkland. And that was just the beginning.

Over the years, programmes for the site have grown to include additional planting of native trees and grasses, environmental education, the installation of nesting boxes for local animals, and ongoing maintenance of the site throughout the year. In late 2019, rehabilitation included the

generations, festival organisers undertook the rehabilitation of the site, with the prospect of developing an environmental showcase. In addition to creating infrastructure to support the festival, revegetation programmes were developed to increase comfort levels for festival patrons by providing ample shade, minimising dust and building wildlife corridors. The programme also served to improve soil quality and prevent erosion.

construction of Lake Gkula.

With a surface area of 1.4 acres and sitting at 5.5 metres at its deepest, Lake Gkula is Australia’s largest naturally filtered, purposebuilt conservation and recreation lake. Designed and built as an aquatic ecosystem for swimming and snorkelling, the lake was constructed using 2000 tonnes of pebble, 2000 tonnes of rock, 900 tonnes of river sand, and filled with over 12 million litres of water. Designed and constructed by natural landscape company Waterscapes Australia, Lake Gkula is the first of its kind to this scale in Australia — in the world, in fact.

A natural habitat for endemic fish and plant life was designed into the system, with 18 species of native freshwater fish and 9000 aquatic plants used to establish the ecosystem and support future growth. This aquatic diversity also makes it an excellent playground for users to learn about and appreciate the local flora and fauna.

Wildlife on the property is thriving — including the human kind — with plenty of activities for everyone and lots of space for harmonious coexistence. A sunken boat in the deepest recesses of the lake forms a ‘destination’ for snorkelers, rocks provide fun diving platforms from the waterfalls and boulder seats around the island. Plinth designs between the beaches and pathways have been shaped to hug the curves of the lake, and Mary River Cod habitats have been built into the lake walls.

Chemical free, with an engineered wetland filtration and circulation system, the lake took over 5 months to construct. The full scope of the project included constructing the lake,

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PROJECT PROFILE

levelling the surrounds for patrons and market stalls used during events, building the external pump shed, including the electric and plumbing design, in addition to ensuring adequate drainage and flood prevention through the installation of sub-drainage and surrounding swails. Under the project management of Patrick Handley, company director and head designer, Waterscapes Australia undertook everything from excavation, shaping and pond lining to the circulation system, lighting, plant and fauna selection, as well as post-care troubleshooting, maintenance and training of site crew.

One of the biggest challenges of the projects for Waterscapes Australia was finding the balance between developing a robust ecosystem and a filtration system that would surpass testing requirements for recreational swimming. Engineering a circulation system to provide adequate water flow and chemical-free filtration was realised with the inclusion of two Aquascape up-flow wetland filtration systems,

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with a total area scaled to 12 percent of the water body surface area, each supplied with 350,000 litres of water flow per hour. Water circulation is key to the scheme. A total of 1,000,000 litres of water per hour is circulated throughout the lake. An intake bay for debris collection was also installed.

Completing the project required a team of trained Aquascape contractors who travelled from all over Australia to be a part of this worldfirst project. The length of the build called for a rotational workforce, meaning each stage required training, with many of the contractors living onsite for weeks at a time. For Waterscapes Australia, balancing productivity, training and the wellbeing of the contractors was a priority across the timeline of the project. Well worth the logistics, given the end result.

The Lake Gkula project has recently been honoured for its innovation with the Sustainable Landscape Award from industry body Landscape Queensland.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Woodfordia Inc Location Moreton Bay Hinterland, Queensland Product Supply Aquascape Australia Granite Gympie Granite & Gravel City Plant Supply Suncoast Water Gardens & Mooloolah River Care Nursery Fauna Supply ANGFA Earthmoving Equipment Coates Hire Project Design & Management Patrick Handley Installation Waterscapes Australia

COMPANY Waterscapes Australia P 07 5446 8700 E office@waterscapesaustralia.com.au W waterscapesaustralia.com.au

“ODS is an established directory that has provided great support and value to Furphy Foundry and Landmark Products’ print and online advertising endeavours in order to more effectively reach our target audiences.”

LUCAS KUSSOWSKI Group Marketing Coordinator, Furphy Foundry/Landmark Products

PICK OF

THE CROP Family fun in an ornamental orchard is the name of the game at the new Orchard Park

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esigned and constructed by Fleming’s Landscapes and its design team, Flow Design Studio, Orchard Park sits at the heart of a new residential community in Tarneit, west of Melbourne, Victoria.

Residents and visitors to the new Orchard Estate and its recently completed central park can relax and play in the beautifully constructed open space that was designed to engage people of all ages.

Working closely with project developer

was chosen to cater to children of all ages, with climbing elements like a custom tractor engaging the imagination.

Plants feature en masse, with the park surrounds, avenues and playspace itself forested by advanced trees that present the promise of a mature landscape sooner rather than later. The open greenspace portion of the park is encircled by double plantings of Malus (crab apple) varieties; hugely ornamental trees with white and pink

APD Projects, the feature park was established by bringing together the hallmark horticultural expertise of Fleming’s Nurseries with the architectural understanding of its design house Flow Design Studio, which was then delivered by the expertise of the team from Fleming’s Landscapes.

The inhouse collaboration delivered by Fleming’s produced a unique outcome, which included a huge super-advanced tree craned into position to sit neatly within a circular cutout in the park’s bespoke-designed shelter.

The park aims to offer people places to play, relax, gather, exercise and meet. Play equipment

spring blossoms that will really deliver in years to come. In addition, large natural boulders double as landscape features and fun climbing objects.

Other features of the park include a naturebased playspace for children aged up to 10 years, including a custom play tower with double slides. Envisioned by Wes Fleming and designed inhouse by Fleming’s team of designers, architects and craftspeople, the tower was constructed by Activity Playgrounds. The significant structure features internal levels, outlooks, nets and slides, making it a highly functional play opportunity that doubles as an iconic architectural element in the estate.

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PROJECT PROFILE

“We really wanted to see some seriously fun elements in this park, and while the site is lovely and flat, we needed to add some visual interest.

The tower was an opportunity to do this in a creative way,” Wes explained.

“The park is a showpiece of horticulture meeting design, with loads of amazing feature trees that will grow over time to become real statements within the park.”

Having undertaken works encompassing design, horticultural planning, plant installation and park construction, along with play equipment design and installation, and ongoing maintenance, the Fleming’s team are justifiably proud of the end result in Orchard Park — and so are its grateful residents.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client APD Projects Location Tarneit, Victoria Landscape Architect Fleming’s Landscapes & Flow Design Studio Plant Supply Fleming’s Nurseries Installation & Maintenance Fleming’s Landscapes

COMPANY Fleming’s Landscapes P 03 9756 6105 E landscapes@flemings.com.au W flemings.com.au

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COMPANY PROFILE

CONCEPT TO COMPLETION,

AND BEYOND Fleming’s Landscapes manages all aspects of delivering beautiful outdoor environments, from concept to completion

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leming’s Landscapes is the natural evolution of Fleming’s Nurseries and its director’s, Wes Fleming, desire to ensure the beautiful trees his team produces are supplied, installed and maintained to the highest standards. Today, Fleming’s Landscapes encompasses multiple service functions, including design, construction, supply, project management and maintenance services.

FLOW DESIGN STUDIO After designing inhouse for almost a decade, in 2019 Fleming’s created a formal design house — Flow Design Studio. Its team of experienced landscape architects and garden designers service all aspects of landscape design, covering large-scale commercial jobs from masterplanning new urban developments to council works such as invigorating canopy-cover projects, and parks and open space schemes, as well as handling the specialised requirements of small-scale projects and residential environments.

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION Fleming’s Landscapes builds beautiful

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outdoor environments. The knowledgeable construction team includes career construction managers, operational landscapers, commercial construction crews and domestic landscape construction specialists, to ensure all aspects of a project from commercial to residential are covered.

SUPPLY A tree planted today is tomorrow’s shade, is a philosophy Fleming’s adheres to every day. As the sister company to Fleming’s Landscapes, Fleming’s Nurseries ensure the green materials delivered to all its project are selected with knowledge and care.

Delivered from one of its four production nurseries, or from its expansive network of nurseries that cater to specialist products, Fleming’s horticulturalists makes their selections to ensure the best stock in Australia at any given time.

Fleming’s have also developed close business partnerships with a range of experts, for example play equipment suppliers, metal fabricators and pool merchants, to ensure it can confidently deliver any aspect of a landscape design.

MAINTENANCE Fleming’s Landscapes’ maintenance division is available to ensure the landscapes it delivers are cared for appropriately; usually in the form of an extended maintenance period to establish streets and parks prior to council handover. Its team of dedicated landscapers are accustomed to establishing seed and turf grass, maintaining greenspaces (slashing, mowing and snipping), weed maintenance, irrigation requirements, sales office maintenance, tree replacement and more.

Fleming’s Landscapes offers today’s flourishing urban developments, existing municipalities, public open spaces, and public parks and gardens the opportunity to become the crowning jewel of their communities for generations to come.

COMPANY DETAILS Fleming’s Landscapes P 03 9756 6105 E landscapes@flemings.com.au W flemings.com.au

Fleming’s delivers 100 years of horticultural expertise to ensure the landscapes we deliver are exceptional.

Our professional landscape services team is supported by some of Australia’s best horticulturalists. Our approach is unique and ensures perfection.

flemings.com.au

Landscape Design & Architecture Construction & Project Management Supply, Installation & Maintenance

Advanced and Bare Root Ornamental Trees Natives and Shrubs

Production Tropical Fruit Trees

NATUREBASED

architecture firm, Turenscape, to revive the river and create a public park. Fengziang Park is about 200 acres in size, with a linear river corridor stretching 13 kilometres through the densely built-up environment of Haikou.

Adopting three effective strategies, Turenscape was able to integrate a new civil engineering plan that would include a drainage system of sewage pipes and treatment plants to collect the refuse and reroute major pollution sources from the river. The new wet corridor was designed as a comprehensive ecological infrastructure that would solve the concerns of flooding and pollution, while at the same time recover habitats that would improve biodiversity, create pleasant recreation opportunities, and green the city.

Creating a ‘green sponge’ for the city, the Meishe River Greenway and Fengxiang Park scheme has formed a system that separates

not uncommon condition in many Asian cities, China’s Haikou City has been ravaged by monsoons for time immemorial, causing city-wide flooding and the resultant pollution issues resulting from sewage and urban runoff. Rivers channelled by concrete to control flooding had become lifeless and unable to support a healthy ecology in urban areas. Turning the tide on this situation,

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cleanse contaminated runoff. In addition, recreational facilities have been integrated into the ecological infrastructure, bringing humans into the natural scheme in a harmonious and healthy symbiotic relationship.

A tourist city in the tropical region of South China, Haikou has experienced rapid growth in the past 40 years — taking the city’s population up to 2.3 million. Such population advancement

stormwater from sewage, integrating the river and its tributaries and wetlands while also integrating a pedestrian and recreational network. It has turned grey spaces into green spaces with the removal of flood walls.

Blocked waterways are now reconnected to the ocean, easing tide entry into the city and wetlands, aiding in a natural cleansing and growth process, over which pedestrian access has been designed to create waterfront sites that don’t interfere with natural ecological processes. The project has also generated a terraced wetland park designed as a natural water cleansing facility — cleaning 6000 tons of urban runoff daily, along with 3500 tons of domestic sewage — with treatment equipment removing pathogens that may prove a public health risk before channelling the grey water into the wetlands. The biomass from the wetland is harvested and regularly decomposed into fertilisers for use in the landscape.

landscape architecture firm Turenscape is responsible for creating Meishe River Greenway and Fengxiang Park, turning a once concrete wasteland into a resilient green infrastructure.

Implementing nature-based solutions, Turenscape was able to revive the river with clean water to support not only the human inhabitants with lush beauty and social amenity, but also the flourishing of native flora and fauna. By removing concrete flood walls and replacing them with eco-friendly, floodresilient waterways, mangrove habitats have been rehabilitated and additional wetlands constructed along the riverbeds contain and

was accompanied by sprouting skyscrapers that paid little attention to the natural water system or urban water infrastructure.

Running through the urban landscape, the Meishe River, a 23-kilometre-long waterway, became a dumping ground for the built-up area; a sewage dump that did nothing to support the urban life it dissected. Despite unsuccessful, half-hearted attempts to beautify and improve the area, the region continued to deteriorate, becoming a public shame.

Taking a more systematic approach, the Government, in 2016, began to implement a more holistic scheme, commissioning a landscape

Completed in late 2019, the success of the scheme has proven valuable to the city. And the best bit? It’s replicable. Tests prove that nature-based solutions like this scheme can be replicated effectively. Globally, over 85 percent of sewage in urban areas, mainly in developing countries, is untreated, leading to polluted waterways and increased water shortages.

While centralised sewage treatment systems are not always economically viable in more isolated regions, nature-based solutions can remediate water quality, negate flooding and create public amenity that provide cultural and social outlets for communities.

GREENSCAPES Meishe River Greenway and Fengxiang Park is a stunning example of deep-form water cleansing ecologies in public spaces

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INTERNATIONAL PROJECT

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Haikou City Government Location Haikou, China Architect Cui Kai, Native Design Environmental Engineer Sangde Co Ltd Construction Oriental Landscape Co Ltd Lead Designer Kongjian Yu Landscape Design Turenscape

COMPANY Turenscape E turen@turenscape.com W turenscape.com/en

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PROJECT PROFILE

NATURAL PARKOUR PLAY Surrounded by nature’s beauty, this parkour obstacle for teens offers engaging fitness challenges that blend with the nearby landscape

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sing natural elements of an organic nature, this parkour course is an inviting challenge to big kids everywhere and a welcome addition to Mindarie Park. Set in the bushland setting of Lane Cove, Mindarie Park is a multi-use recreational greenspace under the aegis of Lane Cove Council, recently opened after undergoing a two-stage upgrade to provide

in recreation spaces. While most playscapes offer equipment for children from toddlers to primary school-aged kids, older children and teenagers often don’t get a look in.

Providing an activity space that challenges this demographic is an important part of catering to the whole community.

The Mindarie Park playspace was constructed

selected to achieve the harmonious environment Council desired, while also serving to create focal points that would draw users into the space.

Organic twists and turns increase the challenge factor of the structures, while bumps and knots in the timber increase visual dimension and up the difficulty level required to balance and climb, thereby increasing users’ adaptation and

the community with a variety of sports and play opportunities to enjoy.

Encompassed within the park is an allinclusive playground that meets NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play guidelines, a large turf area, amphitheatre and a multi-use games arena. Picnic shelters, barbecues, drinking fountains and accessible picnic settings can also be found. But one of its biggest drawcards is its nature-inspired parkour course.

Designed and constructed by Timber Creations Nature Play, the Mindarie Park timber and rope obstacle course sits alongside the playground, filling an often overlook role

to present more advanced challenges to teens, as well as include a safe ‘hangout’ space that would appeal to the older age group. In addition, its natural structure offers a much-needed link to the bushland that surrounds the playground, connecting the more formal community spaces to the natural landscape in a way that creates harmony in the bushland setting.

Using local, sustainably sourced, recycled timber to create beautiful and functional play pieces for decades, Timber Creations Nature Play were the natural choice to design and construct the Mindarie Park parkour course.

Natural shapes and interesting textures were

dexterity abilities.

Placed within the scheme, a lookout tower provides an enticing gathering space for groups and a clever vantage point for looking out over the landscape. A peaceful corner to retreat to when needed in the busy park, the lookout tower has become a popular perch for many.

Created from several stunning pieces of salvaged timber rescued from various local sites, a series of flexible seating structures and balancing play pieces also dot the space.

Timber logs up to 10 metres in length were made playground-safe and consciously placed to create a direct pathway to the connecting

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bushland, while others serve as sustainable seating options.

With environmental responsibility being a key focus for Lane Cove Council, Mindarie Park playspace is a fully sustainable project.

Timber Creations exclusively utilised rescued and recycled timber, handworking the natural materials with minimal machine intervention.

Finished in natural oils, the structures, once broken down and disposed of at their end-oflife use, will return to an organic state and be environmentally safe for disposal.

To complete the parkour course and continue the ‘natural’ theme of the project, certified softfall mulch was spread at the base of the timber structures to provide impact absorption and ensure an even activity surface. In addition, Timber Creations constructed a retaining wall from logs and sandstone blocks of differing levels, which hold the mulch in place without the need for mass excavation and add to the play value of the space by making a fun balancing circuit. A great feature for kids of all ages and abilities, the wall not only gives younger kids something to do while in the activity space, but also serves as seating, or even a makeshift table, adding extra amenity to the space that works for supervising parents and carers — making it truly a space for everyone.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Lane Cove Council Location Lane Cove, NSW Landscape Architect Elise Newman, Lane Cove Council Site Preparation Get Civil Softfall Mulch The Hills Bark Blower Playspace Design & Construct Timber Creations Nature Play Retaining Wall Timber Creations Nature Play Photography Stephen Govel Photography

COMPANY Timber Creations Nature Play P 02 4372 1170 E create@timbercreations.com.au W timbercreations.com.au

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PROJECT PROFILE

TAKING LEARNING

OUTDOORS A substantial shade structure installed in a Queensland school has created an outdoor learning area designed to enhance the educational experience

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nstalled by infrastructure experts Steel Post and Rail (SPR), this soaring shade structure sits over tiered seating on the grounds of a prominent allgirls school in Brisbane. In a growing movement that is occurring in educational facilities across the world, the school wanted to create a safe area for students to be able to conduct classes outside where appropriate. In addition, it wanted to reduce the effect of the afternoon sun on adjacent classrooms and provide usable space for recess and lunch activities that included all-

epoxy for strength and durability, as well as ensuring a good colour match to the existing architecture.

During initial consultation, SPR understood that a prefabricated off-the-shelf structure would not get the job done. Working in collaboration with the client, SPR was able to come up with a design and construct package that delivered the aesthetic solution the client desired while coming in on time and on budget.

Moving from consultation through design and into fabrication and installation, Steel Post and

weather protection.

To meet the client’s brief for its specific site requirements, SPR custom designed the structure to cover over 100 square metres of ground in a style that matches the newly created classroom and administration building. After fabrication at its inhouse facility, SPR installed the insulated shade structure onsite during a mid-term break in order to minimise disruption to teachers and students during class time.

Rail maintained its high-performance service from start to finish to deliver a shade structure worthy of a Classroom Award for Great Ideas!

The modern and innovative design of the structure helps set the tone for the area. Insulated roof panels aid in maintaining a comfortable temperature for learning outdoors, while recessed lighting ensures adequate brightness no matter the weather. Six metre cantilevered posts of hotdipped galvanised steel were painted in a two-part

Installation Steel Post and Rail

PROJECT PARTICULARS Location Brisbane, Queensland Electrical MC Electrical Design & Fabrication Steel Post and Rail

COMPANY Steel Post and Rail P

07 5598 2225

E

admin@steelpostrail.com.au

W steelpostrail.com.au

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SHEDDING A LIGHT

ON PLAY A custom-design lighthouse lights up Amberton Beach, calling all mermaids and pirates to play

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n the rugged Western Australian coastline of Eglinton sits Amberton Beach, a new masterplanned community by developers Stockland. A relaxed waterfront precinct complete with beautiful

a red and white-striped mass is a customdesigned lighthouse play structure designed and supplied by playspace experts WillPlay.

Created to serve as a landmark for the area that would help to ‘define’ Amberton Beach,

beaches and open greenspaces, this familyorientated neighbourhood was designed to allow community spirit to thrive.

Promoting an active outdoor lifestyle, a relaxed pace and a host of amenities for the whole family — including the family dog — Amberton Beach boasts a community “where you can truly feel at home.” In keeping with this pledge, Stockland commissioned an innovative playspace to make the neighbourhood come alive.

The Amberton Beach adventure playground is a vibrant and energetic space with a fittingly coastal theme. At the centre of its many delights, spearing skyward in

the lighthouse tower stands 8.5 metres tall and is made from aluminium and stainless steel, to survive the harsh coastal conditions.

Offering myriad play opportunities, the hard-to-miss focal point includes internal rope climbing challenges and a choice of two levels of slides to take landlubbers back down to the ground. Geared toward older children as well as adults, the structure offers a birds-eye view for the adventurers who dare to climb to the top, giving them prime position to look down at the little ‘yabbies’ playing in the sand below.

Working in conjunction with the developers, WillPlay took the project from concept design

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through to engineering and manufacturing, as well as final certification. The company’s WA agent, Active Discovery, completed the installation onsite and associated works surrounding the playspace.

With the area being visible from all roads leading into the Amberton Beach foreshore precinct, one of the main beach access points and a focal point for the community, Stockland wanted to ensure the centrepiece of the playspace stood as a beacon (no pun intended) for the area. Modelling the tower on a traditional lighthouse helped WillPlay to meet the client’s brief and provide a playspace with a truly spectacular structure that is hard to resist, or miss!

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Stockland Location Eglinton, WA Architect Emerge Architects Sales & Installation Active Discovery Design & Manufacture WillPlay Certification WillPlay

COMPANY WillPlay P 1300 132 047 E info@willplay.com.au W willplay.com.au

PROJECT PROFILE

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PRODUCT PROFILE

COMIN’ ROUND

THE BEND A large-scale waterfront public space gives new amenity to Riverbend, while opening the door to future ventures ransforming a former industrial precinct into a major public recreation space, the Riverbend all-abilities park is a greenspace triumph for the Launceston community.

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A pedestrian bridge linking the Seaport boardwalk with Riverbend Park provides easy access across the urban landscape, with hundreds of people now making use of the

A City of Launceston project, funded by local, state and federal government, Riverbend Park is a shining example of successful infrastructure investment. A $9 million project, the revitalisation of the North Esk riverfront region is but one step in larger urban renewal and commercial development opportunities through tourism.

Re-establishing an important aspect of Launceston’s industrial and commercial maritime history, the Riverbend Park project has created an inclusive recreation area that has not only revived the commercial viability of this end of town, but provided citizens with much needed public space.

network of walking and cycling paths along the river every day. Divided into four zones: River Play area, Gorge Play space, Wild Core zone, and the Urban Plaza, Riverbend Park provides something for everyone.

Each zone caters to visitors with a range of play equipment and active experiences that include the usual suspects of swings, sandpits, wheelchair-accessible carousels, a waterplay area, even outdoor table tennis and a full-size sports court. The park’s SkyWalk, the largest attraction in the area — and the most prominent in bright yellow — dominates the space and excites the masses.

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A giant mural brings a sense of aesthetics to the area, while public toilets and sheltered barbecue facilities add function that is highly sought after.

Contour barbecue is housed in a powdercoated cabinet for long-term durability. DDA-certified and easy to clean, the Contour is backed by a

Offering much-needed protection from the climate, the barbecue shelters are a masterful offering from Grillex®, the company commissioned by the City of Launceston to supply the barbecues and structures for the project.

As Australia’s leading supplier of commercial electric barbecues and street and park furniture, Grillex® was the ideal choice to outfit Riverbend Park. Contour barbecues provide park users with a safe and clean cooking station that lets them ‘break bread’ with family and friends without having to leave the park.

Lightweight, corrosion-resistant with good thermal conductivity, the stainless-steel topped

Grillex® 20-year warranty. To keep these facilities dry and people in the area, Grillex® Akora shelters were also installed across the park.

Providing a place for visitors to gather and remain out of the sun, or rain, the Akora shelters are made from structural-grade aluminium with a Colorbond roof and stainless-steel anti-vandal fixings. Not only does this guarantee a sturdy and safe place for grilling, but serves as a positive asset for Council that will go the distance.

Contributing to the overall success of a much-lauded public recreation space, Grillex®’s contributions to Riverbend Park will see it put to good use by locals and visitors for years to come.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client City of Launceston Location Launceston, Tasmania Street Furniture Supply Grillex®

COMPANY Grillex® P 1300 552 102 E info@grillex.com.au W grillex.com.au

ODS Exemplary Showcase | 69

ODS

OUTDOOR DESIGN SOURCE

Want to show the industry what you can do?

Contribute to the ODS Exemplary Showcase and be seen by the decision makers in your industry. With an exclusive print run of 3500, this high-end publication will be delivered to a targeted audience of external works specifiers, landscape architects, designers and contractors across private and government sectors, ensuring your best is seen by the right industry professionals.

Exemplary Projects deserve exemplary recognition, so don’t miss out. Contact ODS to make your mark on the external works landscape. ods@umco.com.au

PRODUCT PROFILE

PERMEABLE EROSION PROTECTION ustralian Concrete Mats are manufacturers of an innovative flexible concrete mat system engineered for permeable erosion protection and prevention.

The flexible control mat has concrete shapes

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terrain. Packaged and rolled into large rolls, the mat design makes handling and installation very efficient. They can be easily lifted, placed and unrolled using standard machinery. Once laid down they start working right away.

BENEFITS

embedded into a polyester geogrid.

This innovative and easy-to-use system has multiple applications where erosion protection, scour prevention on slopes or soil stabilisation may be an issue. It also supports rehabilitation of the natural landscape.

Easy to use, cost-effective and very low maintenance, concrete mats are a great solution for use in swale drains, water and overflow channels, embankments and slope protection, low water crossings and spillways.

The strong geogrid and space between the concrete shapes give the mats a flexible structure that makes them suitable to lay in any

Biodegradable geotextile nutrition or nonwoven underlay is prerolled with each mat, to save time during installation and promote or inhibit vegetation growth under the mat depending on site and project requirements.

The nature of the mat’s structure slows deluge flow, promoting water absorption into the soil where it’s needed most.

Whether used to control channel erosion, for outlet protection or stabilisation on slopes or shorelines, concrete mats provide hard armour protection with a green covering of grass or native plants. And, you can mow down your green or let it grow wild, it works both ways.



 

   

Q  uick and easy installation — reducing labour time and costs S  afe for pedestrians and wildlife to walk on C  an be mowed over with commercial equipment B  locks cannot be dislodged or realigned W  eed spraying not required C  an be driven across safely D  oes not require poured concretelined channels

COMPANY Australian Concrete Mats P 0480 234 521 E info@concretemats.com.au W concretemats.com.au

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TOTE PARK

HOLDS ITS OWN The new front door to the Moonee Valley Racecourse, Tote Park is the first publicly accessible space in the $2B Moonee Valley Park development

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spectacular 5000 square metre park constructed by PTA Landscapes for the benefit of Moonee Valley Racecourse club members, future Moonee Valley Park residents and the local community, Tote Park is a winner across the board.

Located within the Moonee Valley Park development, the park evokes the charm of a large village green. Spread over half a hectare with a spacious rolling lawn, picturesque views and the Tote Dining & Bar restaurant, the space sets the tone for the botanical-inspired residential development. A joint venture

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between Host Plus, Moonee Valley Racing Club and Hamton, Tote Park was designed by Tract Consultants and features stunning flower beds, serpentine gardens, a nature-inspired playground and open grassy lawns where locals can relax and unwind or get active.

Taking pride of place at the entrance of the racecourse, a magnificent bronze statue of the legendary Cox Plate winner Winx with jockey Hugh Bowman, titled WINX IV, welcomes all visitors. Acclaimed Melbourne artist Louis Laumen was commissioned to capture the iconic image of Winx and Hugh as

they crossed the finishing line in their fourth Cox Plate victory in 2018. The larger-thanlife-sized statue weighs 1.5 tonnes and took more than 20 months to complete. Set on a bluestone pedestal, the public art piece stands as the centrepiece of the Moonee Valley Park development. Tote Park also contains the new horseshoe memorial over the remains of champion thoroughbred Manikato, another important piece of racing history.

A nature-based playground gives families and visitors to the area a space to gather and play. Boasting a lavender maze, timber crawl

PROJECT PROFILE throughs, interactive sculptures, climbing frames, sound tubes, a sand play area and an imaginative-play florist shop, this fun-filled playscape encourages little players to interact with the natural environment. “[Tote Park] has been three years in the making and a truly collaborative team effort,” claimed Tract Consultant’s principal landscape architect Kylie Jordan. “From the client and consultants through to contractors on site.”

“In what was an already difficult site and throughout a very challenging year, the team at PTA Landscapes have delivered a terrific project in a seamless manner.”

A blank canvas for a calendar of future community activities and events, Tote Park is equipped to house outdoor yoga classes, group fitness training, live music or culinary exhibitions, and that’s not all. Renovations are already underway on the heritage-listed Tote building, originally built in 1931, which is being restored to its former glory to be repurposed into a contemporary food and beverage offering that will add additional amenity to the development.

Meticulously constructed over a period of six-months, PTA Landscapes navigated Covid-19 restrictions to get the job done to their usual high standards. “The project is a credit to our fantastic landscape team,” said PTA Landscapes director Andrew Wilson.

“To be able to deliver this significant project to such a high quality within the timeframe, considering strict working restrictions, reinforces our team’s professionalism and highperformance approach. We look forward to the park establishing further and the community’s positive interactions with the built environment for years to come.”

“PTA Landscapes should be super proud. The park is outstanding and the project team are thrilled with how it all turned out,” stated Hamton marketing and PR manager Danielle Caruso.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Host Plus, Moonee Valley Racing Club & Hamton Location Moonee Valley, Victoria Sculpture Louis Laumen Landscape Architect Tract Consultants Landscape Contractor PTA Landscapes

COMPANY PTA Landscapes P 03 9720 0113 E info@ptalandscapes.com.au W ptalandscapes.com.au

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A PRECINCT

OF FUN Billed as a precinct of fun with challenging play experiences for all, Wyndham Park is more than just a park

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ased on a tessellated design that offers climbing, sensory and thrilling play experiences for kids of all ages, Wyndham Park demonstrates harmonious parallels between architectural aesthetics and natural, organic forms — and it’s also heaps of fun!

surrounding environment and giving it a strong sense of place and identity. The playscape design needed to include slides, a rope climbing course and custom play structures with internal play elements and viewing opportunities of the natural surroundings.

an events lawn, seating and rest areas, barbecue shelters, drinking fountains, new pathways that provided improved cycling and pedestrian access, as well as new boardwalks and viewing spaces, increased lighting, revegetation and an open greenspace. But nothing catches the eye

Located in Werribee in Victoria, the public recreation space is nestled in a natural bush setting. Using the inspiration of the riverine landscape and its geological rock forms scattered along its undulating bank as the basis for the design brief, this adventure playground was part of a $13 million redevelopment project that was to turn the previously unused greenspace into a state-of-the-art destination venue for children and adults of all ages and abilities.

Suitable for junior and senior age groups, the overall scheme needed to add value to the landscape and pay homage to its heritage features, while being sensitive to the

That’s where KOMPAN came in.

Working closely with Wyndham City Council, AECOM and Arup throughout the ideation process, KOMPAN’s team of Australian designers collaborated in the creation of the sophisticated and iconic adventure space before finalising the design, and completing all engineering, certification and fabrication processes. In collaboration with its qualified local subcontractors, KOMPAN then successfully installed the custom playground equipment.

Additional works in the park upgrade undertaken by a range of contractors included

in the scheme quite like the central playspace with its soaring tower.

Rising 11 metres high, the senior play tower includes an exhilirating slide, viewing platforms, climbing tunnels, ropes, hammocks, talking tubes, telescopes and play panels. As does the accompanying 3.5-metre-high junior tower.

This complementary junior/senior placement was an innovative solution achieved to meet the brief that required play opportunities for a wide range of users, and has now become an industry benchmark.

Ascending skyward in a series of geometric lines that reflect the surrounding cliffscape and

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PROJECT PROFILE

echo its earthy tones, the custom play towers provide infinite variations in play that engage the imagination and encourage children to play longer. Reflecting KOMPAN’s expertise in custom design and its long history working on Australian playscapes, the towers not only offer

Due to the terrain of the site and lack of access for elevated working platforms, the custom towers were built in modules on the lower ground levels before being craned into place.

Retaining walls combined with gradedrubber areas also provided a way of managing

quality play value but are also architecturally pleasing. KOMPAN used a series of 3D and 2D modelling systems to finalise the tower designs and to undertake site analysis.

A challenge of the project was the multilayered site. Spread across 4.5 hectares, the play precinct is built across several graded levels down to the riverbank. As a result of the topology of the area, play equipment placement was carefully considered in relation to the overall scheme of the park in order to ensure clear movement between the upper, middle and lower areas, thereby guaranteeing accessibility for all.

elevation changes and incorporating play elements that move seamlessly through the levels. One such element was KOPMAN’s custom Arch Net. Its elongated form provides a playful transition between levels, and the vibrant green arch reflects the surrounding plantlife that thrives at the water’s edge and creeps up the embankment.

A game changer for the region, Wyndham Park has transformed the parkland that sits at the heart of the city, creating an iconic recreational hub for the community that will be an asset for years and a much-loved drawcard that will thrill visitors across multiple generations.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Wyndham City Council Location Werribee, Victoria Landscape Architect AECOM Project Management ARUP Landscape Contractor ACE Landscape Services Playground Installation Commercial Play Playground Design & Construct KOMPAN

COMPANY KOMPAN Australia P 07 3635 6200 E aumarketing@kompan.com W kompan.com.au

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SPECIALIST INTERVIEW

TOTAL

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCEPTS TEC employs 40 years of experience in commercial environmental services to keep Australia green

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n environmental civil landscape construction and maintenance company, Total Environmental Concepts (TEC) provides accredited, safe and reliable commercial environmental solutions.

Completing construction, development, civil, rehabilitation, emergency access, road and rail, primary industry and national park works across Queensland and NSW, utilising its own fleet of specialist commercial equipment, TEC uses its 40 years of experience to provide positive environmentally focused outcomes that protect the Australian landscape.

Specialising in track and trail construction, stormwater management, forestry mulching and fire breaks, along with easement management, weed control and acreage mowing, among other things, TEC aids government and developers to minimise risk and enhance commercial property value through landscape and maintenance services.

A certified professional with multiple accreditations, Peter Sands, CEO and General Manager of TEC, understands the importance of forestry maintenance and environmental rehabilitation. ODS sat down with Peter, as an experienced and knowledgeable professional

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of environmental services, to understand how important such works are in helping to maintain our natural landscapes and provide infrastructure for greater functionality and safety.

Q. Given the harsh nature of our sunburnt country, what are the greatest threats to our native landscape when it comes to commercial development and how do you mitigate this?

A. I believe there needs to be a balance of retained green corridors and to improve them with revegetation to create more wildlife habitat and safe movement, in addition to well-planned and maintained WSUD assets to protect our waterways and runoffs. Where new developments interface with natural bushland or reserves, we need to create walking track access to allow residents to enjoy what it is on offer while protecting its natural beauty from vandalism.

Q. How effective are fire breaks and trails in bushfire prone areas? What does it take to make them safe?

A. Fire breaks and trails are an extremely important aspect of protecting assets and life.

Unfortunately, funding to maintain these is falling short, allowing the fire breaks and trails to become overgrown with vegetation, and in a lot of cases tracks are washed out or in disrepair. In many cases, due to Covid-19, costs to councils and government for building and maintenance have fallen well behind. Even with the best of intentions and reduced access on these trails, issues only become apparent in an emergency — usually too late. It needs to be remembered, at these times, trails and tracks are often used by volunteer rural firefighters in vehicles carrying live loads of water, which adds to the instability of the situation.

Q. TEC also undertake a lot of wetland and bioretention basin construction. What benefits do these projects contribute to a new development?

A. All WSUD assets, being bioretention basins, wet detention basins, stormwater rock swales and artificial wetlands, are all extremely important in filtering and collecting contaminants before stormwater enters rivers, creeks and waterways. TEC partner with cleanwater professionals to provide viable urban water solutions under a scope of works that

“I believe you must first understand the difficulties and the challenges of the job from a hands-on approach, then be able to direct staff with the understanding of how to achieve the best outcome.

Where this is not possible, one should consult with your peers to gain knowledge and be open to learning new things.”

– Peter Sands.

include repair and maintainenance to clean these assets and ensure minimal impact to the natural environment from new developments.

Q. Being a preferred partner for civil works across Queensland and NSW, what are the key features that make TEC so well equipped to handle such projects?

A. As an environmental landscape provider, TEC has endeavoured to acquire specialised equipment and attachments to minimise our environmental footprint on civil works projects.

While our equipment is only a small end of the business, it gives us the advantage of controlling the impact on the landscape and combining our knowledge and skills to achieve the best possible outcome for any project.

Q. What are the consequences to a project that doesn’t correctly address erosion control and stabilisation issues?

A. If erosion control and stabilisation issues are not correctly addressed, you have a few consequences and risks. First and foremost is watery contamination and silting. Silting affects water flow in high rain events, possibly leading to flooding beyond the normal. Contamination of waterways is the reason WSUD assets have become a necessity. Risks from improper control and stabilisation can include liability risks for injury or legislative requirements placed upon DA approvals. Other factors include dust control during construction and stabilisation of disturbed ground.

COMPANY Total Environmental Concepts P 1300 135 743 E info@totalenvironmentalconcepts.com.au W totalenvironmentalconcepts.com.au

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ON THE

FAST TRACK Putting extra hustle into the paving plan for Carrum Station ensured the train arrived on time for this major civil project

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reating safer connections for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, the newly constructed Carrum Station is part of a $50 million revitalisation project for the city of Carrum, including four new public spaces.

Located on McLeod Road in Carrum, the new station is one of the many projects currently underway as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project occurring across Melbourne in Victoria.

natural stone for hardscaping works including landscaping under the skyrail overpass, Granite Works found itself putting a little extra hustle into its supply chain to meet demand.

Working with a complex patterned design, the architects chose to go with granite for the project. Hard wearing with high slip-resistance factors, making it more than satisfactory for use in high-traffic public spaces, granite was the ideal

blending harmoniously to provide continuity and dimension to the project scheme.

As a commercial supplier of natural stone products, Granite Works was able to source and supply granite in the required colours — Ag Black, Tasman Grey, Silver Grey, Burgundy, Sunset, Riverstone, Sahara Gold and Light Yellow — in order to fulfil the contract. A challenge, due to the fact that not all the colours could be

A multi-billion dollar infrastructure project that is set to completely transform the transport system in Melbourne, the Level Crossing project has many moving parts.

Creating a series of overhead rail systems and transport stations, with public recreation and amenity spaces beneath, the scheme is a major achievement and a great source of pride to the Victorian Government. Incorporating contractors and suppliers from all over the country, this major undertaking is asking everyone to give their best, including Granite Works.

Specified by Rush Wright Architects, the architects on the Carrum project, to provide

product for such a large-scale site. In addition, granite comes in a wide array of colours, meaning it would meet the requirements for the varied colours needed to construct the architectural design created for the station.

The mix of colour was an important factor in the project. The project architects designed a complex colour palette for the hardscaping that not only looked good, but served a purpose in differentiating the various routes to and through the station area. Varied colours signify specific areas, providing a visual from open space to transport space through to public space as it leads down to the waterfront, all

sourced from one supplier. With its extensive network of global factories and quarries, Granite Works was able to source the stone and arrange for it to arrive simultaneously onsite to meet the architect’s brief.

Not just a matter of picking the prettiest colours, all granite used on the station job also needed to meet safety and durability standards. Technical data was supplied by Granite Works to the engineers to verify the stone would meet Australian construction standards — a process the company is very familiar with on commercial projects.

Charged with supplying 500 tonnes (4500 square metres) of granite paving for the project,

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PRODUCT PROFILE

while not an easy task, was complicated by the fact that Granite Works was awarded the job tender just three days before Christmas.

Working with such a tight deadline — further complicated by a global pandemic that cropped up a few months later — Granite Works kicked into high gear to ensure their supply chain was able to meet the large order. Well-versed in the vagaries of commercial construction, Granite Works worked hard to adjust its processes in order to meet the project specifications without compromising the quality of the product — given its importance in the structural integrity of the overall scheme.

In addition to a tight deadline, space restrictions onsite became another challenge to the job. With no room to store large quantities of materials onsite, the contractors needed the pavers delivered in an ad hoc manner. Employing all their logistical skill garnered over years of experience, Granite Works was able to unload the containers of granite pavers in their warehouse, creating smaller loads that were then delivered by their own fleet of trucks to site as needed.

Given the speed at which this project was

progressing, almost daily orders for pavers were placed by the contractors. Using a very strict delivery and scheduling system, Granite Works was able to keep up with demand for stock, while also meeting the colour requirements. With quality control an important factor in limiting wastage on such large contracts, as well as the inevitable last minute ‘add-ons’ that seem to occur with every job, a reliable supply chain and expertise in logistics was a must for the success of this project.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Lendlease Location Carrum, Victoria Architects Rush Wright Associates Photography Adrienne Bizzarri Photography Paver Supply Granite Works Australia

COMPANY Granite Works Australia P 03 9813 5999 E info@graniteworks.com.au W graniteworks.com.au

ODS Exemplary Showcase | 79

PRODUCT PROFILE

READY, STEADY,

SPAGHETTI A custom-designed play structure becomes the focal point of a local neighbourhood reserve that offers a wealth of play challenges

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PRODUCT PROFILE

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ocated in the backstreets of Firle in Adelaide, Syd Jones Reserve is one of 69 parks and reserves in The City of Norwood Payneham and St Peters region. While not a large scheme, the recent $675,500 upgrade to this local playspace was an important and much-welcomed improvement to the neighbourhood.

A growing area, Syd Jones Reserve now offers

One of the most popular items in the playground is the Spaghetti Swish from Kaebel.

Australian made in stainless steel, this organically formed range is customised to host an array of jungle ropes, nets, pommels, swings and ladders that make it a multi-challenge structure offering endless opportunities for fun.

The Spaghetti range is a study in architectural

a multi-use amenity that encourages physical activity and community engagement, becoming a quality space for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Featuring an upgraded tennis court with multi-purpose surfacing, outdoor tennis table, climbing wall, shade shelter and barbecue facilities, a new toilet amenity, pathways, seating and lighting throughout, as well as a planned landscape, Syd Jones Reserve has a lot to offer, all wrapped around a central playground.

design combined with rope artistry that offers more than just your regular ‘run-of-themill’ play equipment. Cast in organic shapes rendered in vivid colours with challenging play opportunities for all levels, this clever range delivers the ultimate play value.

Anchored with stainless steel ‘chain boss’ links — designed by Kaebel and TIG-welded inhouse to provide strong, reliable connections — the Spaghetti Swish structure in Syd Jones Reserve offers longevity and durability in the playscape, making it a valuable asset for Council. Finished off with purposed-designed hardware and subtle details that reflect quality engineering and commitment to safety, this is one playspace that will stand the test of time.

Outfitted by Kaebel Leisure, the new playground features brightly hued structures that beg to be climbed up, swung from, spun around or hung upside down on! Creating an open, dynamic, multisport space to meet the project brief, Kaebel Leisure also installed one of its popular Spaghetti Swish structures, supporting an array of rope play options.

Located adjacent to the local Table Tennis Academy, Kaebel used the inspiration of a ping pong ball as the basis for its design approach.

Softfall rubber mounds, sunken pods and inground trampolines wind through the site, reflecting the journey of a bouncing ball and creating a challenging playspace for all ages.

Undertaking community consultation with local residents, a focus on youth activation and socialisation in support of teens was soon uncovered. The installation of an outdoor table tennis unit encourages competitive play and communal socialisation in this age range, along with the multipurpose court and ball wall, with support for participation encouraged for the whole family with the inclusion of shelter and seating infrastructure, making Syd Jones Reserve a space for all ages.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters Location Firle, SA Landscape Architects Wax Design Landscape Contractors LCS Landscapes Drone Photography Dan Schultz/ Sweet Lime Photo Play Equipment Kaebel Leisure

COMPANY Kaebel Leisure P 02 4964 4420 E enquiries@kaebelleisure.com.au W kaebelleisure.com.au

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PROJECT PROFILE

SHADERUNNER® TO THE RESCUE Increasing amenity in a public space where user comfort can, for some, mean the difference between relief and distress

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ne of the largest private hospitals in Australia, St Andrew’s Hospital in Adelaide prides itself on delivering excellent healthcare provision to the community, with a focus on ongoing development of onsite services and facilities. As part of its strategic plan to be environmentally sustainable while enhancing the patient experience, the hospital

width for a single awning, a twin Shaderunner® retractable system was installed, providing greater coverage and improved flexibility for terrace users.

Most Shaderunner® systems feature an easy to use manually operated endless cord system, but increasing in popularity is the option to have remote motorised control. Motorised operation

the sensor control will provide this function automatically in the event of a surge in sun, wind or rain exposure.

The Shaderunner® system is manufactured from durable components, including marinegrade 316 stainless steel fittings and Ronstan yachting ball bearing pulleys, providing a robust retractable shade solution for a range of

recently instigated an upgrade to its outdoor third-floor terrace.

Wiltshire & Swain Architects were engaged to design a functional and usable area for patients and visitors. To achieve this, two Shaderunner® retractable sail systems were specified to provide much needed weather protection over the exposed rooftop area.

Shadeform were engaged to design, engineer, manufacture and install two motorised Shaderunner® retractable sail systems, including support beams, for the project. As the seating area requiring weather protection was 7.2 square metres, exceeding the 6.5 metre maximum

was selected for the St Andrew’s project to ensure ease of use, with each Shaderunner® featuring a durable Somfy motor housed in a slimline powdercoated headbox. For the ultimate convenience, a simple to use remote controller is employed to extend and retract the Shaderunner® system as and when required.

Being a public space, further automated control was provided by the addition of sun, wind and rain sensors that automatically extend or retract the Shaderunner® sails during weather events. At the touch of a button, the twin Shaderunners can be deployed to provide thermal comfort when required. Conversely,

commercial and domestic applications.

Using high-quality components, most Shaderunner® systems require only two running wires along which the fabric extends and retracts. Being on the third-floor terrace, the twin Shaderunner® system at St Andrew’s Hospital was specified with an additional third running wire to provide greater stability for the location. In addition, a weighted tube was added to the front panel of each system that serves to lessen wind action on the retracted Shaderunner® under extreme wind events, reducing the occurrence of fabric wear in windier areas.

Designed to withstand high-traffic

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applications and the demands of the harsh Australian climate, Shaderunner® awnings are manufactured from a range of rigorously tested fabrics that are both durable and stylish. An Outlook 95 percent polyester mesh fabric in Graystone was chosen to outfit the St Andrew’s terrace, providing excellent shade and glare reduction with a contemporary look.

By installing the Shaderunner® retractable sail system, the hospital’s invaluable outdoor space now has the benefit of controllable shade on demand, providing thermal comfort to patrons and visitors as required year round.

Ideally suited for a range of commercial and domestic applications, from outdoor terraces to alfresco dining areas, beer gardens and aquatic centres, the Shaderunner® offers a resilience, compliance and adaptability to outdoor spaces like St Andrew’s Hospital.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client St Andrew’s Hospital Location Adelaide Architect Wiltshire Swain Architects Supply & Install Shadeform

COMPANY Shaderunner® Australia P 1800 495 645 E enquiries@shaderunner.com.au W shaderunner.com.au

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PUMP UP THE JOY A real hit with kids of all ages, from 5 years to 50, the Curlew Park Modular Pumptrack is an investment in community hen community feedback about a new park in Laverton, Victoria, confirmed people wanted a safe space for their kids to learn to ride bikes, Christa Mitchell at Hobsons Bay City Council liked the sound of what a Modular Pumptrack from Parkitect had to offer.

As Council’s senior designer in Active Communities, Christa was looking for play equipment that gave kids of all ages a chance to play, have fun and be more active. She needed something that not only appealed to younger

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scooters and skateboards. The system consists of 11 carefully designed and engineered modules made of either fibreglass composite or precast concrete that come together to create unlimited track designs with precise geometry.

The design’s unique qualities deliver a proven riding flow for riders of any age and ability on bikes, scooters and skateboards, all year round.

The pump track works by allowing riders to gain and maintain speed around the track without pedalling. Riders use pressure to generate propulsion — put simply, ‘pumping’.

that installed the pump track.

“Installation was a breeze,” he added. “The precast concrete modules were delivered directly to the site. They came with an instruction manual that was easy to follow. It’s a simple 3-bolt per module system. The team were able to assemble the track quickly. Once we laid out the plan, we were able to drop each module into its exact location.

“We also spoke to the project’s landscape architect about designing the moulded area in the centre of the track. That worked really well. We

children but also worked for older, teenage kids.

“When we did our community consultation, we found that people wanted somewhere that kids could safely play and increase their bike-riding skills,” Christa explained. “Having a skate-able area was also popular.”

“While we were worried about not having enough space for a more traditional skate park, we discovered a Modular Pumptrack gave us real flexibility. It could be designed to fit into the space we had and it appealed to different age groups with varying skill levels,” Christa stated.

Parkitect’s Modular Pumptrack is a progressive riding track suitable for bikes,

Easy to specify and install, the Modular Pumptrack requires no specialist engineering knowledge, making it a cost-effective solution for councils and developers. Being a novel, flexible playground feature, it’s also easy to incorporate into any park design. “It just fits. It works,” claimed the landscape architect who designed the Curlew Park playspace.

Parkitect’s modular structure takes the guesswork and the complexity out of designing a customised track. “Because it doesn’t require any specialist knowledge, it’s easy to specify,” stated Chris Connors, Victorian Regional Manager of JMac Constructions, the company

were there for the park opening and you could see that the kids loved it, especially the younger ones.”

“Because our pump track is modular, we were able to work with the council, landscape architect and contractors to create a track that fitted perfectly on the site,” explained Shaun Leicester, cofounder and director of Parkitect Australia.

“The designer’s suggestion to include a moulded central area meant that kids could use the whole surface. Plus, coloured paths on the pump track, indicating different levels of skill, worked really well for managing traffic. Kids of all ages and abilities could use the track safely and have lots of fun.”

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PRODUCT PROFILE

Council has been very pleased with the popularity of the pump track and impact on the community. “On the day of the opening, the crowd enjoyed a demonstration by a professional skateboarder and a pro-BMX rider.

It was great! Since then, we’ve received lots of positive feedback — and no negative feedback,” Christa said.

“It works for kids of all ages, including older kids, who often get left out when playgrounds and parks are built.”

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Hobsons Bay City Council Location Laverton, Victoria Playground Design Landprojects Contractor JMac Constructions Modular Pumptrack Parkitect Australia Photography Patrick Redmond Photography

COMPANY Parkitect Australia P 0411 423 773 E ride@parkitect.com.au W parkitect.com.au

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INTERNATIONAL PROJECT

OUT OF

THIS WORLD A bespoke playspace equals interstellar play at the Alma Shopping Centre in Portugal

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oping to increase its attractiveness to visitors and retailers, the Alma Shopping Centre called on global playspace specialists Proludic to create a spectacular bespoke indoor play area that would make a bold statement.

A four-storey shopping mall located in Coimbra, Portugal, with everything a shopper could want including a cinema, supermarkets, retail outlets, and a handy soccer stadium next door, now includes a custom playspace that is out of this world. A completely original play structure comprising interlocking rings, designed, manufactured and installed by Proludic, blends perfectly with the structural elements of the shopping centre.

In exploring new ways to increase amenity at the centre and stand out from other venues in the region, the centre managers commissioned Proludic to create a truly unique play zone that would enhance the customer experience and offer children an exceptional play experience.

The sculptural climbing structure hit the mark!

Designed around four rings, three of which ‘orbit’ each other, the design spreads over two levels, reaching nine metres above the ground at its highest point — offering a daring challenge to would-be climbers. A testament to Proludic’s innovation, the playground offers a contemporary mix of architectural features and functional leisure space.

Billed as a “gravity-defying adventure”, the climbing rings appear to float in the air, reinforcing the magical nature of the play site. A dynamic zone aimed at children of all ages, each ring offers a separate play opportunity and encourages fun activities. Within the rings, players will find climbing walls, vertical ropes, rope nets and slides.

The largest ring starts at close to 4 metres from the ground and circles the pedestrian footbridge on the floor above, nearly 10 metres high. The connection between the two floors via the play structure is not only aesthetically arresting but also visually invites visitors down to the play floor.

Covering a surface area of 190 square metres, the

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rings are rendered in steel with brightly hued details that catch the eye.

Making sure the littlest explorers are catered to, children aged 2 to 4 years can climb through the ground level ring, which measures 9 metres in circumference and 0.8 metres in height. Featuring myriad entry and exit points, with plenty of peepholes, moving through the confined space helps kids refine their motor skills and strengthen their psychomotor development as they scramble around playing hide-and-seek.

Catering for children aged 4 to 8 years, the second ring rises two metres off the ground and is accessed via an external ladder. On the inside, players can scale a rubber-covered climbing wall, with the help of vertical ropes to aid balance as they attempt the 32 degree slope. For the truly daring, the third and fourth rings present the biggest play challenges.

Designed for 8 to 12 year olds, the third ring ups the play level with a 45 degree climbing angle. Six metres in diameter, the ring is divided into two parts — including the only entry point to the final ring. With one part of the ring open, so children can be viewed from the ground as they climb the rope net, the other forms an enclosed tube slide that takes them back down to the ground.

Pushing the limits yet again, the fourth and final ring has a 50 degree slope, requiring climbers with good balance. Constructed of partially transparent stainless-steel mesh walls, this ring gives children the sensation of moving through space as they exercise their flexibility to navigate the one metre diameter tube. For those that can’t resist a challenge, the fourth ring can also be accessed via a twisted ladder offering three metres of vertical climbing straight to the top.

Truly meeting the client’s brief for a one-of-a-kind playspace, the Alma Shopping Mall playground is a rousing success when it comes to enhancing the customer experience and providing a spectacular play adventure for children.

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PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Alma Shopping Centre Location Coimbra, Portugal Design & Supply Proludic (France) Installation Proludic (France)

COMPANY Proludic P 1300 800 181 E info@proludic.com.au W Proludic.com.au

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INTERVIEW

PROLUDIC CELEBRATES 10 years designing play equipment that is a perfect fit for the Australian environment

For a man who has been working in the industry for over 20 years, Steve Walding still gets excited talking about playground design. We asked Steve to tell us a little about Proludic, one of the country’s most prominent playspace companies, and share his views on playspace design in the Australian landscape.

Q. HOW DID PROLUDIC GET STARTED? A. When I began working in the field 20 years ago, play equipment was functional but there wasn’t a lot of playground design involved. You might find a swing, a slide and a basic climbing unit in your local park, but not much more. My business partner and wife, landscape architect Madeleine Walding, and I launched Proludic in Australia in 2010. We saw an opportunity for a design-led company that was 100 percent suited to the Australian environment.

Q. AS PART OF A LARGE, INTERNATIONAL GROUP, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR AUSTRALIAN CUSTOMERS WHEN WORKING WITH PROLUDIC? A. Originally founded in France in 1988, the company has always made a significant investment in research and development.

Being a part of this global network offers real advantages for our clients.

Australia has such a strong outdoor culture and a solid demand for good quality recreational areas.

As a result, our ideas for product improvements and for the design of new products are embraced by HQ in France and implemented worldwide.

The focus on innovation and our ability to give constant feedback to our manufacturing team has led to more inclusive, creative designs and stronger, more resilient play equipment that is safe for children and sustainably produced.

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Q. HOW IMPORTANT IS INCLUSIVE DESIGN TO YOUR APPROACH? A. For us, inclusive design is fundamental. We’ve had a longstanding commitment to creating play equipment and inclusive playspaces that all children can enjoy. We also feel it’s important to offer resources to others connected to the industry to increase knowledge in this area.

Our Inclusive Play Areas Guide was the first of its kind. Since its release, other guides have been written and more projects are being designed along inclusive guidelines.

Q. WHAT MAKES A GREAT PLAYGROUND? A. Playgrounds are all about kids being active and having fun. They’re a focal point for thriving communities to meet, relax, get fit and enjoy each other’s company. They’re a central ingredient of what makes somewhere a good place to live. A successful playground is also one that’s designed to fit into its local environment.

Q. AUSTRALIA IS NOW LEADING THE WORLD IN DESIGNING PLAY ENVIRONMENTS. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR THE PLAY LANDSCAPE? A. In the last five to ten years, I’ve seen people’s expectations about what makes a good playground get higher and higher. With social media, the public can easily give feedback on what works and what doesn’t. As a result, there’s been an increase in community expectations and investment in better playspaces. It’s given us an opportunity to implement new ideas and develop better products.

Throughout our design process, we also try to give a voice to those who are often not easily heard — babies and toddlers, teenage girls, the elderly and people with disability.

children, and the delivery of outstanding customer service. Our philosophy is to provide opportunities for children to choose how they play. Children’s needs always come first in every design, but client service is also fundamental to us.

Our service model is based on outstanding design, easy-to-maintain, durable equipment, environmentally sound production processes, ready access to stock and spare parts, and on time professional delivery and installation.

Having a great team of qualified local landscape architects, designers and construction professionals that help bring our clients’ vision to life is at the core of our Australian success story.

We’re confident that Proludic’s playgrounds will continue to offer our customers exceptional value and bring joy to Australian families for years.

Q. WHAT IS THE COMPANY’S APPROACH TO PLAYSPACE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS? A. Proludic’s method is grounded in innovative design, sustainability, a deep knowledge of

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INNOVATIVE

LEARNING LANDSCAPE Developed as an homage to innovation, this learned landscape gives seniors a space that inspires and encourages exploration

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ocated in Molendinar on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Trinity Lutheran College is a private educational facility catering

to the educational needs of children from kindergarten to year 12. A vibrant learning space in which students and teachers work together in a purpose-built environment conducive to active learning, Trinity strives to develop compassionate, balanced and resilient students well-prepared for the 21st century.

As part of a masterplan to deliver a campus with an environment that fits their school ethos, in 2020 a new Trinity Senior Innovation Centre was erected on the grounds. Centred around a senior forecourt learning space, the new building has the primary function of an innovation centre. Built by contractor Stokes

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landscape appear more established, as well

Wheeler, the building serves to tie the new construction in seamlessly to its surroundings and meld the old with the new. Achieving that

as demonstrating the positive principles behind sustainability.

harmony was done with the construction of a senior forecourt designed by Lisa Mercer of Burling Brown Architects and constructed by landscape design and build specialists Endemic Landscapes.

Taking design cues from the philosophical position relating to the primary function of the new build — innovation — the senior forecourt features raised, planted islands with mature Pandanus specimens showcased by dramatic lighting. Using very mature ex-ground Pandanus specimens that were relocated from elsewhere within the college grounds, the trees provide added pop and make the

A central paved area sports a mazelike design picked out in yellow granite cobblestones. The radial arrangement is interspersed with Bayside artificial turf installed over wet-pour CBSR rubber mounding, creating a ripple effect akin to a stone dropped in a pond. This design element provides both visual appeal and a quality finish that underscores the functional use and adaptability of the space.

Plants displaying dark foliage that offer a contrast to the lightness of hardscaped elements are an aesthetically pleasing arrangement that lifts the whole landscape.

PROJECT PROFILE

To ensure longevity and durability for the project, Endemic Landscapes undertook subsurface drainage works, while also laying quality soil and mulch to support the plantings, and installed turf and stone capping to the existing blockwork. The installation of skate deterrents, timber and concrete edging and a bioretention basin completed the landscape, while the design and construction of a quality irrigation system means this hardy space will be a lowmaintenance priority for the school.

Providing a healthy and positive environment of layered textures designed to soothe and inspire, the Trinity Senior Innovation Centre forecourt is a balanced landscape that enhances the social and mental wellbeing of its students.

For its superior work on the Trinity College project, Enemic Landscapes was awarded the prestigous Excellence Award for Commercial Projects under $150k by Landscape Queensland at this year’s awards gala.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Trinity Lutheran College Location Molendinar, Queensland Building Contractor Stokes Wheeler Landscape Architect Burling Brown Architects Landscape Contractor Endemic Landscapes

COMPANY Endemic Landscapes Pty Ltd P 0421 175 166 E nick@endemiclandscapes.com.au W endemiclandscapes.com.au

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CULTURAL DIVERSITY

AT PLAY Reflecting the diverse culture of the region, this dynamic public space offers something for everyone through open space and waterplay

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multicultural riverside region home to more than 300,000 Queenslanders, Logan City is full of natural beauty filled with extensive parks, wetlands and nature reserves. Fast becoming South-East Queensland’s cultural epicentre, the diverse community takes tremendous pride in their city and community assets; making Logan Gardens

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welcoming journey, opening access to the space for the whole community. In addition, crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) considerations were incorporated via the careful selection of materials, finishes and product selection, to ensure clear lines of sight throughout the waterplay area for carer supervision.

the ideal site for infrastructure upgrades instigated by Logan City Council.

In a bid to improve consolidation of the existing civic space, with room for future expansion, Council commissioned the delivery of Logan Gardens Water Park. Collaboration between principal contractor Interface Landscapes, landscape architecture firm URBIS and aquatics construction specialists Playscape Creations, overseen by project management firm CoLab, created a strong team that proved invaluable to Council in the realisation of this project.

Unified with Council’s newly constructed Wembley Link Pathway, URBIS’s design celebrates the diversity of the local community through an eloquent piece of landscape architecture. Featuring towering totem poles and colourful patterning representing the “flags of the world”, colours from the flags of the most prominent nationalities in Logan were represented in new and engaging ways.

Featuring a variety of water experiences, generous relaxation areas and a flexible gathering space for public events, connections were carefully considered throughout the design. From the arbours and zoned eating areas to the paths connecting to Wembley link and the surrounding community amenities, the thoughtful design demonstrates how something as simple as a pathway connection can become a meaningful and

a range of active and passive aqua play opportunities for users of all ages.

Powdercoated stainless steel totem poles with sprays at various levels provide an active play area, with multiple sensory experiences from the spray mist to the textured ground and water underfoot. A custom dumper bucket adds thrill and adventure, discharging an incredible waterfall of water sporadically to users below. A 50-millimetre-deep wading pool was integrated into the space to create a safe but different tactile experience.

The 14 tonne water table was created with a custom mould and constructed in a single concrete pour offsite before being craned into position.

A range of choreographed fountains were introduced into the design to increase interactivity within the space. Incorporating colourful lights and variable fountain

The aquatic play area incorporates

heights and pressures provides night-time activation, extending the community’s use of the park during warmer periods and specialised events.

Shade had been an integrated feature of the design from the outset. Functional hyper sails add to the overall aesthetic of the park and, acting as a mirror, reflect the flow of the water below and the dancing colours of the choreographed fountain lights at night, giving park goers a truly immersive sensory experience.

Council also wanted to ensure there were plenty of relaxed lounging areas

PROJECT PROFILE

for supervision of children using the space, so a number of platform seats were included in order to accommodate families and larger gatherings. Innovative caterpillar style seating was conceptualised to create a functional border between the aquatic and adventure play areas — with the snaking arrangement reflective of the flow of water throughout the aquatics zone.

The plant room for the scheme is hidden behind a new amenities block and is fully equipped with the latest technology, producing 1400 litres of clean water per minute. The water quality is effectively managed through four sand filters and additional dosing and sterilising systems, with a unique user interface that allows remote system monitoring via telemetry.

A number of established trees onsite required careful consideration around the tree protection zones. Extensive plantings were completed to disguise and protect the underground balance tanks, and new turf was laid to enhance the overall beauty of the site.

The Logan Gardens Water Park is an asset for the Logan City community, with people travelling from all over Brisbane to visit — contributing to the local economy. Attracting people of all ages and abilities from all cultural backgrounds, Logan Gardens Water Park is the social epicentre of the region, allowing people to interact and socialise harmoniously.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Logan City Council Location Logan City, Queensland Principal Contractor Interface Landscapes Landscape Architect URBIS Design & Supply Playscape Creations

COMPANY Playscape Creations P 1300 669 074 E info@playscapecreations.com.au W playscapecreations.com.au

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PROJECT PROFILE

A WINNING PARTNERSHIP A winning sports centre is the realised dream of one Queensland school that has students covered from the pool to the court

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PROJECT PROFILE

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ocated in the suburb of Waterford in Queensland, Canterbury College is a coeducational school delivering holistic academic and cocurricular excellence to students from kindergarten through year 12.

Offering a healthy and diverse sport programme in which all students are encouraged to participate, Canterbury College needed the amenities to

economic solution for their competitionready tennis courts. Synonymous with tennis, as the official preferred surfacing system of the International Tennis Federation, Synpave sets the benchmark for sports courts across Australia and around the world. Suitable for use across a range of courts including tennis, multisport, netball, basketball and pickleball,

untimely global pandemic — the Canterbury College Sports Centre is now up and running thanks to the winning combination of Jordin Sports Costructions and Rebound Ace Synpave.

An outstanding centre by anyone’s competition standards, the new home of the Taipans Swimming and Tennis Clubs and Tiny Taipans Swim School will stand at #1 for years

meet their growing programme needs.

With a dream of building a sports centre to support their training and competition agenda, Canterbury College commissioned Jordin Sports Constructions to make its dream a reality. Building a complex that comprised eight competition-standard tennis courts, a 10-lane Olympic-size swimming pool with spectator stands and change rooms, the Canterbury College Sports Centre now meets the needs of athletes of all ages and abilities in winning style.

Utilising Rebound Ace Synpave sports surface in Ocean Blue and Byron Blue colour combinations provided the school with an

among others, Synpave was a durable and longterm surfacing option for Canterbury College that supports high-performance play.

Provided by ICP Group Australasia, a leading manufacturer of specialty coatings, adhesives and sealants serving the construction and industrial sectors, Synpave is a durable, slipresistant, UV-stable and low-maintenance product that provides a superior playing surface. The system can also be tailored with cushioned and non-cushioned courts to suit all levels of performance and budget.

Overcoming a few false starts and a number of site challenges — not to mentioned an

to come.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Canterbury College Location Waterford, Queensland Contractor Jordin Sports Constructions Surfacing System Rebound Ace Synpave

COMPANY California Sports Surfaces P 03 9338 9851 E sales-australia@icpgroup.com W californiasportssurfaces.com

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PROJECT PROFILE

WATERSIDE PLAY WITH AN

ARTISTIC EDGE Reflecting Indigenous influences and a natural setting, Wangal Reserve is a delightful landscape of artistic whimsy and nature-based play 96 | ODS Exemplary Showcase

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et in the waterside location of Mortlake, an inner-west suburb of Sydney overlooking the Parramatta River, Wangal Reserve is the latest public greenspace upgraded by City of Canada Bay. The $1.7 million project included renewed pedestrian lighting, native planting, new beach access, picnic shelter and barbecue area, as well as accessible pathways, a replacement jetty and Indigenous-inspired artworks. Taking place in two stages, the second stage of works has now been completed and includes the opening of a new nature-based playscape from Play Workshop.

Working to a brief from Council that specified a nature-play theme, Play Workshop designed an inclusive playspace that incorporated creative and exploratory play opportunities, as well as collaborative and interactive elements and artwork that reflects the unique culture of the site. Constructed as part of an overall upgrade to the open space, the playground design sought to enrich the natural beauty of the setting and highlight the captivating views of the Parramatta River.

Using natural materials such as Australian hardwood and stone, Play Workshop installed a series of discovery pieces, including a timber bridge and waterplay items interspersed throughout a dry creek bed, to ensure the style of the park remained true to the Council brief.

Sculptural terrazzo eggs created by inhouse

artists and carved timber totem poles located insitu add another dimension to the design, providing specific site value and exciting moments of discovery for little adventurers.

Completed by Play Workshop’s artists, blockwork that reflects native fauna were carved into sandstone using designs by Indigenous artist David Cragg, with each artistic element helping to bring the site to life.

Supplying a custom adventure play structure designed for inclusive access, a timber and rope agility course, flying fox, large timber swing and accessible carousel, Play Workshop added plenty of play value to the space for kids of all ages and abilities. All products for the park are Australian made or crafted locally in the company’s facility in Artarmon. Built for longevity and durability, each unit reflects the natural theme of the project, as well as being aligned with Everyone Can Play guidelines to ensure a variety of play challenges.

And the fun doesn’t end there!

Timber steppers, a timber boat, balance beams, log steppers and stilt walk that follows the natural slope of the land all contribute to an inclusive playspace to delight the locals. A custom sand play table, water sluice gates and water pumps bring in the natural aquatic vibe of the location, while a single cable flying fox adds plenty of high-flying fun. A huge hit with the community, Wangal Reserve playspace is a triumph in natural play.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client City of Canada Bay Council Location Mortlake, NSW Landscape Architect Wendy Wright Landscape Contractor Landscape Solutions Playscape Design Play Workshop Supply & Install Play Workshop Photography Stephen Govel Photography

COMPANY Play Workshop Pty Ltd P 02 9420 8296 E info@playworkshop.com.au W playworkshop.com.au

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PROJECT PROFILE

BESPOKE PLAY

AT ITS BEST Totally custom playscape breathes new life into an old port town

Seeing a former industrial precinct given back to the community as dedicated public space is always exciting. Riverbend Park in Launceston, Tasmania, is no exception.

A government funded project, the barren industrial site was sadly lacking amenity,

areas of the city with the underutilised spaces along the river.

The masterplan for the site, proposed by landscape architecture firm Playstreet, included a cluster of four play areas that would provide activities and recreation opportunities for

engineering to facilitate invisible joints.

Seamless connections guarantee strength and longevity, as well as meeting Australian Standards for safety and performance.

The Confluence Net structure offers a range of play activities from suspended climbing rope

despite its picturesque location on the banks of the River Tamar.

Transformed into usable greenspace, the new all-abilities park has created a revived waterfront for locals and visitors that offers something for everyone — one highlight being the bespoke gigantic net play structure by Moduplay.

Historically cut off from the centre of town, visually and physically, by flood levees and industrial zoning, the waterfront site presented a unique opportunity. To shift focus back to the river, Launceston City Council launched a rehabilitation project in the form of an active open space that would reconnect the central

people of all ages and abilities. Understanding that open space is a vital part of social inclusion and long-term health and wellbeing, Riverbend Park was born.

Designed, manufactured and installed by Moduplay, the Confluence Net is a special attraction in the overall scheme. Based on a concept that signifies the joining of the Tamar and Esk rivers, its innovative design offers an array of play opportunities for children of all ages and abilities, and even adults.

Stemming from a steel tubular framework in vibrant orange, the structure was designed and manufactured with unique connection

net challenges down to the gentle rocking of a nest swing, as well as a tube slide and tunnel, inground trampolines, and even rock climbing walls. Built over a bed of multicoloured softfall rubber and spread across multiple levels, the Confluence Net playspace has something for everyone — regardless of age or ability.

Incorporated into a larger scheme that includes a fitness zone, picnic space, a waterplay area and sandpit, as well as greenspace and fullsize sports court, all interspersed with pedestrian and cycle pathways, the Moduplay Confluence Net is a standout feature of this well-loved public space.

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PROJECT PARTICULARS Client City of Launceston Location Launceston, Tasmania Landscape Architect Playstreet Playscape Design Moduplay Group Manufacture & Install Moduplay Group

COMPANY Moduplay Group P 1800 806 145 E email@moduplay.com.au W moduplay.com.au

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TAKING PLAY

SKYHIGH Putting play in the clouds, this rooftop playscape offers pint-sized tykes a safe place to scamper in the city oaring high above the city of Kangaroo Point in Queensland, a predominantly timber playspace offers urban adventures for teetering toddlers that has them cavorting in the clouds atop the Valencia

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a unique play area for families living in the building, they commissioned Rhinoplay to design, engineer, manufacture and install a bespoke play area on the challenging site.

With its rippling façade, the Valencia

Residences. This luxury apartment highrise by Aria promises high-value urban living with the feel of ‘home’.

Close to the river and surrounded by convenient retail and commercial offerings, the Valencia caters to families of all shapes and sizes. The building provides a host of conveniences for residents from an outdoor pool to a cinema room, onsite gym and function rooms for hire, and even a rooftop playspace.

Built by playscape specialists Rhinoplay, the custom playspace sits atop the roof deck, affording visitors magnificent views over the city. When the developers wanted to create

Residences makes an iconic statement on the Brisbane skyline. In keeping with the building aesthetics, the clients wanted a playspace that would match the existing design elements of the building’s architecture. In this way, the design would ensure a fluid connection among the compositional parts of the public spaces at play across the rooftop. In addition, the playspace needed to fit perfectly into the footprint of the building, and provide a safe, fun and unforgettable play adventure for young residents.

Working closely with the clients to ensure adherence to the brief, Rhinoplay designed a play structure that features a tunnel slide, shop front

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PROJECT PROFILE

cubby, internal climber, telescopes and access bridge. Given the challenges of the site — namely sitting over 13-storeys high — the playspace needed to provide access from two levels, work around planned landscaping elements, and be manufactured in a way that allowed it to be crane lifted onto the roof of the building.

Requiring enormous attention to detail to ensure design continuity, the main play elements were manufactured from mild steel and clad in dressed and oiled spotted gum.

Matching materials, finishes and colour palette were employed to ensure the building and the playspace coexisted harmoniously, including the play tower’s roof, which sports a perforated profile to match existing design elements found throughout the building.

Still an uncommon fixture in today’s highrise residential developments, the unique nature of the Valencia Residences rooftop playground sets a new standard for urban living that proves you don’t have to sacrifice play value to aesthetics.

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Aria Location Kangaroo Point, Queensland Architect Rothelowman Contractor McNab Design & Install Rhinoplay

COMPANY Rhinoplay P 02 9517 3587 E info@rhinoplay.com.au W rhinoplay.com.au

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JUST HANGING

OUT

A new youth precinct in Gympie gives kids of all ages a safe space to ride, skate and scoot

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ervicing the needs of teens and youngsters of all ages in the Gympie region, Nelson

Reserve’s new youth precinct offers a wealth of physical activities and a relaxing space to gather with family and friends.

Noted as one of the biggest and best skate and ride parks in Australia, Gympie’s competitiongrade youth precinct boasts everything from a climbing wall to a pump track, a skate bowl and flow area to viewing deck and street course. Open greenspace with shade shelters, seating, bike racks, barbecue and picnic settings, even a major event space, round out the offerings of the park.

Pulling in youth of all ages and abilities, the active precinct’s skate facilities and climbing wall are its biggest drawcards. Encouraging climbers

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to challenge one another and themselves as they test their physical strength and agility, the

Incorporating a large street section with stairs, rails and ledges alongside the skate bowl and

wall presents demanding obstacles across three difficulty levels of climbing holds. Fabricated in mild steel and painted in vivid colour, the climbing wall was manufactured and installed

by Heka Group, experienced specialists in metal fabrication and design.

Ensuring longevity and strength for the structure, Heka Group coated the climbing wall in a three-coat epoxy paint system, along with the shade shelters. Providing weather coverage across the park is a series of uniquely sculpted shade shelters. Fabricated in steel and aluminium by Heka Group, these shelters provide ample viewing spots for the skate bowl.

flow area, the skating and riding zone caters for all skill levels, from beginners to masters. Keeping this site safe and accessible for everyone, Heka Group installed a series of polished stainless steel handrails that will resist corrosion and staining.

And to ensure everyone knows the rules, Heka Group also installed a collection of feature signage made of steel with a protective coating system to handle the harsh climate.

Welcoming riders from all walks of life, the Nelson Reserve Youth Precinct is a valuable addition to the area, and thanks to some hardy material usage and expert installation will stand for the youth of Gympie for years to come.

PROJECT PROFILE

PROJECT PARTICULARS Client Gympie Regional Council Location Gympie, Queensland Landscape Architect Enlocus Lanscape Architects Fabrication & Install Heka Group

COMPANY Heka Group P 07 5476 8300 E hello@hekagroup.com.au W hekagroup.com.au

ODS Exemplary Showcase | 103

GREEN REPORT

A green vision for Bolte Bridge, Melbourne. Image Greener Spaces Better Places

WHERE WILL ALL THE

TREES BE? Green v Grey: What will our cities look like as temperatures and populations rise?

A

ustralia’s largest urban greening initiative has revealed 67 percent of suburbs and cities across the country will face significant challenges in growing and maintaining green cover in the future, as our cities grapple with a rising population, and grey spaces expand with urban development.

Where Will All The Trees Be?,1 the third report in Australia’s only national tree canopy benchmarking series, led by RMIT University and Greener Spaces Better Places, confirms the majority (69 percent) of our urban areas have lost green cover (trees and shrubs) since 2013, spanning 131 urban and peri-urban Local

of loss and face significant challenges to grow their green cover in the future.

“Fundamentally, as our suburbs, towns and cities grow, so should our green cover — but in order to increase our urban green cover, we need to understand what’s happening where, and why,” explains Professor Hurley.

“From this study, we can see green cover varies wildly by place. For example, Cairns Regional Council has Australia’s highest recorded level of green cover, with 82.9 percent, whereas Wyndham City Council has Australia’s lowest recorded level of green cover with 5.4 percent. However, this isn’t a full and fair picture

within and across cities to understand what improvement might be possible with concerted effort, and what deterioration might occur with complacency.”

Government Areas (LGAs). While promisingly over the last four years 63 percent of places increased their green cover, during the same period, 73 percent of LGAs increased their grey cover (hard surfaces such as roads, pathways, pavement and roofs).

A growing population means more pressure on green cover in our suburbs and cities. As our cities and suburbs grow, it is vital our green cover keeps pace.

Associate Professor Joe Hurley, RMIT lead researcher, says that while some places are defying the odds and growing thriving urban forests, others have reported concerning levels

of what is going on.

“Cairns have a higher than average rainfall and contain large areas of native forest.

Whereas Wyndham contains large areas of grassland and agricultural land, limiting its opportunities for urban greening. It is important to recognise that place type and context really matters.

“This study is a deep dive into the rates of increase and decline of urban greening across Australia, but through the lens of six different place types determined by rainfall, urbanisation and population density. These place types help us more usefully compare performance

a national initiative — Greener Spaces Better Places — to ensure that as our urban areas grow, so do our greenspaces. Our mission is to make Australia’s towns and cities the greenest in the world. To find out more visit greenerspacesbetterplaces.com.au Greener Spaces Better Places is funded through the Hort Innovation Nursery Fund, using the Nursery Marketing Levy.

Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

Learn about it at horticulture.com.au

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ABOUT GREENER SPACES BETTER PLACES Greener spaces make better places.

They cool our cities, and make our neighbourhoods healthier and more appealing to work, play and relax. That’s why government, universities, not-for-profits, business and industry have come together as

GREEN REPORT

ABOUT WHERE WILL ALL THE TREES BE? Where Will All The Trees Be? is an assessment of land cover across 131 Local Government Areas (LGAs) as places in Australia, covering all significant urban centres, using the i-tree sampling methodology (a widely used approach developed by the United State Department of Agriculture Forest Service) led by RMIT University and Greener Spaces Better Places, and funded by Hort Innovation.

This research repeats similar studies done in 2013 and 2016, providing updated 2020 cover figures and allowing cover trends to be established across the three timepoints.

The majority of aerial imagery used for this study is from November 2019 — March 2020 (to correspond with the leaf-on period for all trees). In some locations images from earlier periods (back to January 2018) are used where more recent high-quality images were not available.

The assessment of land cover is coupled with a review of state statutory planning policy regarding likely influence on the presence of trees through their retention, removal, management and establishment, and a survey of local government professionals working in urban forest management. Using the i-tree results and survey results, we produce a summary LGA assessment and future outlook for each of the 131 LGAs in the study and present a brief analysis of elements of the cover assessment method being used to inform future studies. The full research paper can be found at horticulture.com.au

“Over time, changes in population will be inevitable, but there’s no reason why our cities can’t have thriving urban forests. There are great examples all over Australia of how this can happen,” Professor Hurley adds.

The study identified the following as best on ground — places that have maintained or grown their green cover despite population pressures or grey cover increases:2

 City of Whittlesea, Victoria (suburban, spacious and low rainfall)

 Logan City Council, Queensland (suburban, spacious and high rainfall)

 City of Greater Dandenong, Victoria (urban, spacious and low rainfall)

 Kwinana City Council, Western Australia (urban, spacious and high rainfall)  City of Unley, South Australia (urban, spacious and low rainfall)  The City of Parramatta, New South Wales (urban, compact and high rainfall) Meg Caffin, urban forest expert and research consultant, claims, “To help stem green cover loss and ensure the future viability of our urban forests in our suburbs and cities, we can plan better and plant now. We can also learn from who is doing this well, even within the context of challenges, and drive change within government, businesses and the community.”

A green vision for Darley Lane, Newtown. Image Greener Spaces Better Places

Vision of urban greening by ASPECT studios

In the face of a changing climate, green cover is crucial for mitigating the impacts of urban heat, cooling our urban landscapes and providing a range of social, environmental and economic benefits.”

Covid-19 has had a massive impact on the world and our behaviour. Among the disruption, urban greenspaces have played a critical role in boosting resilience during the pandemic, helping with both physical and mental wellbeing.3 As gyms and swimming pools closed, use of parks and recreational areas skyrocketed. In Sydney alone, Centennial Park visits were estimated to be up by 20 percent, Moore Park’s golf and tennis courts saw a 50 percent increase in numbers, and use of Western Sydney Parklands doubled.

Dr Dominique Hes, regenerative development expert, explains: “Healthy, happy and liveable cities rely on urban greening for a range of benefits, and are critical for mental and physical wellbeing. Studies show as little as 20 minutes in greenspaces can reduce stress due to how our brains are wired. Our brains evolved in nature, and when surrounded by greenspaces the fight or flight and emotional parts of the brain are less on edge — this affinity to connect to nature is called biophilia. This innate connection has never been more evident than during the Covid-19 pandemic, where we’ve become acutely aware

of the importance of access to nature in our everyday lives.”

“Green cover increases biodiversity and helps to cool our urban environments. It also works to mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from surrounding environments, pumping oxygen back into the atmosphere, working as the lungs of our cities.

If we plan ahead and plant now, we can grow interconnected, regenerative and prosperous places for people to live, work and relax into the future,” adds Dr Hes.

REFERENCES 1. Where Will All The Trees Be? is funded by Hort Innovation. Green cover is defined as trees over 3 metres and shrubs under 3 metres. Grey cover is defined as hard surfaces such as roads and pavement.

2. Able to be used as a reference point for areas with similar climate or challenges.

3. Samuelsson K, Barthel S, Colding J, Macassa G, Giusti M (2020) Urban nature as a source of resilience during social distancing amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Landsc Urban Plan. https://doi. org/10.31219/osf.io/3wx5a

ODS Exemplary Showcase | 105

CULTURAL CONCERNS IN THE LANDSCAPE

ODS interviews Indigenous Landscape Strategist Kaylie Salvatori of landscape architecture firm Arcadia

Susan Wakil Health Building , Sydney University

ARCADIA | INSPIRED PLACES CONNECTING PEOPLE With offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, landscape architecture firm Arcadia is outfitted with a talented team of landscape architects and urban designers focused on designing world-class landscapes. Creating memorable spaces that improve quality of life and promote community engagement, Arcadia thrives on bringing people together through public spaces.

With services ranging from concept design and development to tender and construction documentation, supervision and postconstruction services, Arcadia works across the urban design, landscape masterplanning, public realm, commercial residential, institutional and infrastructure sectors.

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young professional on the rise, Kaylie Salvatori is a landscape architect with renowned Australian firm Arcadia. A Budawang Yuin woman from the NSW South Coast, Kaylie has been strongly influenced by her Indigenous heritage throughout her life.

Wanting to undertake a career that would be of

A

Q. What is an Indigenous Landscape Strategist?

A. This is a new role that Arcadia created to acknowledge the position I had begun playing outside of the normal remits of a landscape architect. In addition to my role as a senior landscape architect, I play a key part in

benefit to the community and the environment, while also feeding her love of art, she began her university career in Law and Fine Arts, before discovering her path into landscape architecture.

Seeing early on how entrenched a lack of inclusion or attention aimed at Indigenous participation and traditional skills was within the field, Kaylie was eager to become a part of a growing movement that valued the knowledge that could be derived from thousands of years of Aboriginal awareness of the Australian landscape.

Working towards increasing Indigenous representation from the early seeds of her burgeoning career, Kaylie was awarded the 2018 UNSW Built Environment Arcadia Landscape Architecture Scholarship for Indigenous Students while studying her Honours at UNSW. After three years working her way through the ranks at Arcadia, Kaylie became the company’s first Indigenous Landscape Strategist.

ODS had a chat with Kaylie about what a role like

improving our internal cultural competency, including staff education and internal strategies.

Outwardly, my role focuses on connecting to First Nations narratives and developing designs that speak to Country (this Countrycentred design approach is conducted via a collaborative process with cultural leaders and knowledge holders).

Indigenous Landscape Strategist means for her and for the industry moving forward.

world, the diversity and rich heritage of First Nations cultures across Australia is something all communities can connect with and celebrate.

In fact, in a contemporary setting, I would say that employing an Indigenous approach to urban design and landscape architecture is likely a lot more welcoming to our multicultural communities than a colonial approach has proven in the past.

Q. What do you enjoy most about landscape architecture?

A. I love that landscape architecture offers an artistic outlet, while creating tangible outcomes for community and the environment. I was drawn to it because it offers a creative response to issues of environmental justice, ecological degradation and environmental stewardship. I love that there are avenues to work as a social and environmental advocate, while also an opportunity to enrich my cultural and scientific knowledge of Country.

Q. How do the concerns of Indigenous landscapes impact on designing public space projects, particularly in multicultural environments?

A. I believe it’s a vital step in reconciliation.

If you are in Australia, you are on Aboriginal land — this connection stretches from the beginning of time to the end of time — echoed in the sentiment “Always was, always will be”. I think understanding this eternal association is important for all communities, multicultural or otherwise. As the oldest living cultures in the

Q. What is your design approach?

A. I am still developing what this means (and it will probably always be a work in progress), but I aim to centre Country in my approach to design.

INDUSTRY INTERVIEW In Aboriginal culture, we have an ethos that if you look after Country, it will take care of you.

As such, I seek to connect with this ethos in my designs and explore the ways that design can support the health of Country and community.

Q. What are the biggest impediments to the design process when it comes to Indigenous landscapes?

A. The colonial process. Historically, the built environment has been a vehicle of colonial expression — taking Aboriginal land and shaping it to conform with European values and utility.

Because of this, the process of urban design has historically been to the exclusion of First Nations peoples, which has meant that we have very low representation in the industry. If the built environment industry wants to connect with Country and stop colonising these lands, we need to change the ways in which we practise, restoring decision making back to First Nations people in a collaborative process of design.

In my view, this requires institutional and industry-wide changes, from the way we educate our emerging practitioners, to the way we practise and collaborate, as well as the framework in which planning and development decisions are made and approved. It is my stance that these all require partnership with Traditional Custodians to connect with sacred

knowledge that has been developed over eons and is practised in a contemporary setting today.

Q. Do you feel it is important to have an Indigenous mindset when it comes to creating landscapes, as opposed to a cohesive one-for-all approach?

A. Personally for me it would be difficult to remove myself from an Indigenous mindset as this is integral to my identity — but of course I take other users’ experiences into consideration when designing. I think that design is inherently personal. It’s impossible to remove our values, mindsets and experiences from design and, at the end of the day, it’s our tastes that shape the designs on paper. Hence why having a diverse and representative industry is so important to equitable design. I think in the past, the cohesive “one size fits all” approach has really meant the one size fits the desired user (ie. white male). We are past that now, I hope.

Q. What does being an Indigenous Landscape Strategist mean to you personally, and what does it signify professionally to the industry?

A. I’m proud to be acknowledged for the contributions I make outside the usual remit of landscape architecture. In the future I hope that some of the functions I perform as a part of this

role become part and parcel to general landscape practice (ie. collaborating with cultural leaders, conducting research on Country and generating Country-focused designs). I hope that in fulfilling this role, some of my Blak brothers and sisters see the potential for this field to work for community, and landscape architecture becomes a popular choice among young First Nations People looking for a creative career that works with Country.

I was previously a recipient of Arcadia’s UNSW Landscape Architecture Award for Indigenous Students, which Arcadia established after being confronted with the unacceptable representation of Indigenous Australians in landscape architecture. This scholarship program is now available nationally for Indigenous students enrolled in an AILAaccredited landscape architecture programme at any associated university in the country, at undergraduate and post-graduate levels.

Q. What is one of your favourite projects you’ve worked on to date and why?

A. I’m only two years out of my studies in landscape architecture, so my career is still in its infancy. Nevertheless, I’ve had exciting opportunities to work on collaborative projects and look forward to the next stages of many of my projects.

Prior to starting at Arcadia, I worked with Yerrabingin on Australia’s first Native Rooftop Farm and South Eveleigh Cultural Garden, which were undertaken in a guerrilla style of codesign with community. Since working at Arcadia, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with community on several projects, with some of my most exciting work including the UQ Herston Reconciliation Gardens project, where we were looking at exploring Indigenous medicines and foods, as well as restoring an important gathering area for Indigenous students.

Recently, I have also had the opportunity to collaborate with community leaders in Awabakal Country on a large masterplanning project, as well as collaborating with some knowledge holders in Ngunnawal Country for a new high school. I’m

St Leonards Health Organisation

Susan Wakil Health Building , Sydney University

proud of the steps we have taken to change the process of design from a consultative to a more collaborative approach and excited to see how these progress in the future.

Q. If you could share with people one thing when it comes to understanding Indigenous landscapes, as a means of educating a diverse populace, what would it be?

A. The pathway to connecting to Country involves collaborating with First Nations communities, knowledge holders and Elders — as the old axiom goes, “nothing about us without us.”

ODS Exemplary Showcase | 107

WHITE PAPER

Riverbend Park, Grillex

WHAT IS

PLACEMAKING? “Placemaking is a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces. Placemaking capitalises on a local community’s assets, inspiration and potential, with the intention of creating public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness and wellbeing. It is political due to the nature of place identity. Placemaking is both a process and a philosophy that makes use of urban design principles.” — Wikipedia

B

uilding inclusive, healthy, functional and productive cities is perhaps the greatest challenge facing humanity today. There are no easy solutions. And yet a key part of the puzzle lies right in the heart of the world’s urban

The following information was created by Project for Public Spaces (PPS), a US nonprofit dedicated to creating community-powered public spaces around the world.

physical, cultural and social identities that define a place and support its ongoing evolution.

With community-based participation at its centre, an effective placemaking process capitalises on a local community’s assets,

areas: the public spaces.

Healthy public spaces are the springboard for revitalising communities, whatever they are and wherever they are. That an attractive, active, well-functioning public space can jump start economic development in a community — from a small rural town to a big city — is being recognised increasingly around the world.

Public spaces are a vital ingredient of successful cities. They help build a sense of community, civic identity and culture. Public spaces facilitate social capital, economic development and community revitalisation. This is as true in the Global South as it is elsewhere in the world.1

WHAT IF WE BUILT OUR COMMUNITIES AROUND PLACES?

inspiration and potential, and it results in the creation of quality public spaces that contribute to people’s health, happiness and wellbeing.

When Project for Public Spaces surveyed people about what placemaking means to them, we found that it is a crucial and deeply-valued process for those who feel intimately connected to the places in their lives.

Placemaking shows people just how powerful their collective vision can be. It helps them to reimagine everyday spaces, and to see anew the potential of parks, downtowns, waterfronts, plazas, neighbourhoods, streets, markets, campuses and public buildings.

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As both an overarching idea and a hands-on approach for improving a neighbourhood, city or region, placemaking inspires people to collectively reimagine and reinvent public spaces as the heart of every community.

Strengthening the connection between people and the places they share, placemaking refers to a collaborative process by which we can shape our public realm in order to maximise shared value. More than just promoting better urban design, placemaking facilitates creative patterns of use, paying particular attention to the

Balwyn Community Centre, Futurewood

Cameron Park, Austek Play

PLACEMAKING IS NOT A NEW IDEA

Applying the wisdom of these (and other) urban pioneers since 1975, Project for Public Spaces

With this knowledge, we can come together to create a common vision for that

Although PPS began consistently using the term “placemaking” in the mid-1990s to describe its approach, some of the thinking behind placemaking gained traction in the 1960s, when mentors like Jane Jacobs and William (Holly) Whyte introduced groundbreaking ideas about designing cities for people, not just cars and shopping centres. Their work focuses on the social and cultural importance of lively neighbourhoods and inviting public spaces: Jacobs encouraged everyday citizens to take ownership of streets through the now-famous idea of “eyes on the street”, while Whyte outlined key elements for creating vibrant social life in public spaces.

has gradually developed a comprehensive placemaking approach.

Throughout its experience working with over 3500 communities — in all 50 US states and in over 50 countries — PPS continues to show by example how adopting a collaborative community process is the most effective approach for creating and revitalising public spaces. For PPS, placemaking is both a process and a philosophy.

It is centred around observing, listening to and asking questions of the people who live, work and play in a particular space in order to understand their needs and aspirations for that space and for their community as a whole.

place. The vision can evolve quickly into an implementation strategy, beginning with smallscale lighter, quicker, cheaper improvements that bring immediate benefits both to the spaces themselves and the people who use them.

WHEN YOU FOCUS ON PLACE, YOU DO EVERYTHING DIFFERENTLY Unfortunately, the rigid planning processes of the 20th century have become so institutionalised that community stakeholders rarely have the chance to voice their own ideas and aspirations about the places they inhabit.

ODS Exemplary Showcase | 109

WHITE PAPER Orchard Park, Fleming’s Landscapes

PLACEMAKING IS • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Community-driven Visionary Function before form Adaptable Inclusive Focused on creating destinations Context-specific Dynamic Transdisciplinary Transformative Flexible Collaborative Sociable

Placemaking can break down these silos by showing planners, designers and engineers the broad value of moving beyond the narrow focus of their own professions, disciplines and agendas.

Experience has shown PPS that when developers and planners welcome this kind of grassroots involvement, they spare themselves a lot of headaches. Common problems like traffic-

property. It belongs to anyone and everyone who is sincere about creating great places, and who understands how a strong sense of place can influence the physical, social, emotional and ecological health of individuals and communities everywhere.

PPS does feel a responsibility to continue protecting, practicing and advocating for the

dominated streets, little-used parks and isolated or underperforming development projects can be addressed — or altogether avoided — by embracing a model of placemaking that views a place in its entirety, rather than zeroing in on isolated components.

Turning a shared vision into a reality — into a truly great place — means finding the patience to take small steps, to truly listen, and to see what

community-driven, bottom-up approach that placemaking describes. To be successful, this process requires great leadership and action on all levels. Leaders need not, and certainly should not, have all the answers, and by acknowledging this, and providing space for experimentation and collaboration, placemaking allows an even bolder process to unfold.

Today, the term “placemaking” is used in many settings. Not just by citizens and organisations committed to grassroots community improvement, but also by planners and developers who use it as a brand to imply authenticity and quality, even if their projects don’t always live up to that promise. But using placemaking in reference to a process that isn’t really rooted in public participation dilutes its potential value.

Making a place is not the same as constructing a building, designing a plaza, or developing a commercial zone. As more

works best in a particular context.

Just as community input is essential to the placemaking process, it is equally important to have a mutual understanding of the ways in which great places foster successful social networks and benefit multiple stakeholders and initiatives at once. The 11 Principles, along with other tools PPS has developed for improving places, have helped citizens bring immense changes to their communities; changes that are often far more extensive than the original vision had imagined.

Placemaking is at the heart of PPS’s work and mission, but it does not trademark it as its own

communities engage in placemaking and more professionals come to call their work placemaking, it is important to preserve the meaning and integrity of the process.

A great public space cannot be measured by its physical attributes alone; it must also serve people as a vital community resource in which function always trumps form. When people of all ages, abilities and socio-economic backgrounds can not only access and enjoy a place but also play a key role in its identity, creation and maintenance, that is when we see genuine placemaking in action.

Placemaking pays close attention to the

KEY PRINCIPLES OF PLACEMAKING The Project for Public Spaces placemaking approach can be a springboard for community revitalisation. Emerging from forty years of practice, PPS’s 11 Principles of Placemaking offers guidelines to help communities; integrate diverse opinions into a cohesive vision, translate that vision into a plan and program of uses, and ensure the sustainable implementation of the plan.

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The Smith Collective, Benzini Precast Concrete

myriad ways in which the physical, social, ecological, cultural, and even spiritual qualities of a place are intimately intertwined, and we continue to be inspired by the visionary placemakers who have worked to promote this vision for generations.

Placemaking belongs to everyone: its message and mission is bigger than any one person or organisation. As a backbone organisation, Project for Public Spaces remains dedicated to supporting the movement, growing the network and sharing its experience and resources with placemakers and allies everywhere.

PLACEMAKING IS NOT • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Top-down Reactionary Design-driven A blanket solution or quick fix Exclusionary Car-centric One-size-fits-all Static Discipline-driven One-dimensional Dependent on regulatory controls A cost/benefit analysis Project-focused

WHITE PAPER HOW TO TURN A PLACE AROUND

The important starting point in developing a concept for any public space is to identify the talents and assets within the community. In any community there are people who can provide a historical perspective, valuable insights into how the area functions, and an understanding of the critical issues and what is meaningful to people.

Tapping into this information at the beginning

image, as well as a setting, activities and uses that collectively add up to something more than the sum of its often simple parts. This is easy to say but difficult to accomplish.

3. Look for partners Partners are critical to the future success and image of a public space improvement project.

Whether you want partners at the beginning to plan for the project or you want to brainstorm and develop scenarios with a dozen partners who might participate in the future, they are invaluable in providing support and getting a project off the ground. They can be local institutions, museums, schools and others.

4. You can see a lot just by observing We can all learn a great deal from others’ successes and failures. By looking at how people are using (or not using) public spaces and finding out what they like and don’t like about them, it is possible to assess what makes them work or not work. Through these observations, it will be clear what kinds of activities are missing and what might be incorporated. And when the spaces are built, continuing to observe them will teach you even more about how to evolve and manage

5. Have a vision The vision needs to come out of each individual community. However, essential to a vision for any public space is an idea of what kinds of activities might be happening in the space, a view that the space should be comfortable and have a good image, and that it should be an important place where people want to be. It should instil a sense of pride in the people who live and work in the surrounding area.

6. Start with the petunias: lighter, quicker, cheaper The complexity of public spaces is such that you cannot expect to do everything right initially.

The best spaces experiment with short term improvements that can be tested and refined over many years! Elements such as seating, outdoor cafes, public art, striping of crosswalks and pedestrian havens, community gardens and murals are examples of improvements that can be accomplished in a short time.

7. Triangulate “Triangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other

of the process will help to create a sense of

them over time.

strangers as if they knew each other” (William H Whyte). In a public space, the choice and arrangement of different elements in relation to each other can put the triangulation process in motion (or not). For example, if a bench, a wastebasket and a telephone are placed with no connection to each other, each may receive very limited use, but when they are arranged together along with other amenities such as a coffee cart, they will naturally bring people together (or triangulate!).

On a broader level, if a children’s reading room in a new library is located so that it is next to a children’s playground in a park, and a food kiosk is added, more activity will occur than if these facilities were located separately.

Effective public spaces are extremely difficult to accomplish, because their complexity is rarely understood. As William (Holly) Whyte said, “It’s hard to design a space that will not attract people. What is remarkable is how often this has been accomplished.”

In its 1999 publication How to Turn a Place Around, PPS identified 11 key elements in transforming public spaces into vibrant community places, whether they’re parks, plazas, public squares, streets, sidewalks or the myriad other outdoor and indoor spaces that have public uses in common. This was a key milestone in its history, as this book helped to launch and define the placemaking movement. These elements are: 1. The community is the expert

WHO IS PROJECT FOR PUBLIC SPACES? Project for Public Spaces (PPS) is an American not-for-profit comprised of a cross-disciplinary team that shares a passion for public spaces. It is powered by people who believe that public spaces should be made by all and used by all. Its placemaking approach helps communities transform their public spaces into vital places that highlight local assets, spur rejuvenation and serve common needs.

With a belief that great public spaces strengthen communities, PPS bring public spaces to life by planning and designing them with the people who use them every day. The team’s knowledge, skills and strategies equip people to fuel lasting change — creating community-powered public spaces around the world.

Partnering with corporations and foundations that see public space and placemaking as a key way to achieve impact in a community, PPS help design and administer grants selection processes, provide capacity building to local grantees, and help implement on-the-ground placemaking projects that reflect the goals of the sponsor, the grantee and their community.

To find out more visit pps.org

community ownership in the project that can be of great benefit to both the project sponsor and the community.

2. Create a place, not a design If your goal is to create a place, a design will not be enough. To make an underperforming space into a vital place, physical elements must be introduced that would make people welcome and comfortable, such as seating and new landscaping, and also through management changes in the pedestrian circulation pattern and by developing more effective relationships between the surrounding retail and the activities going on in the public spaces.

The goal is to create a place that has both a strong sense of community and a comfortable

East Shores Precinct, Penfold Projects

WHITE PAPER

WANT MORE? From theory to practice: Placemaking grows into an international movement. Learn more about placemaking and how it can help transform public spaces by downloading the Placemaking booklet at www.pps.org/article/ what-is-placemaking

WHAT MAKES A GREAT PLACE? The Place Diagram is one of the tools Project for Public Spaces has developed to help communities evaluate places. The inner ring represents a place’s key attributes, the middle ring its intangible qualities, and the outer ring its measurable data.

8. They always say “It can’t be done” One of Yogi Berra’s great sayings is, “If they say it can’t be done, it doesn’t always work out that way,” and PPS have found it to be appropriate for its work as well. Creating good public spaces is inevitably about encountering obstacles, because no one in either the public or private sectors has the job or responsibility to create places.

For example, professionals such as traffic engineers, transit operators, urban planners and architects all have narrow definitions of their job — facilitating traffic or making trains run on time or creating long-term schemes for building cities or designing buildings. Their job, evident in most cities, is not to create places.

Starting with small scale community-nurturing

infrastructure of the public spaces, the elements

out, needs change and other things happen in an

improvements can demonstrate the importance of places and help to overcome obstacles.

9. Form supports function The input from the community and potential partners, the understanding of how other spaces function, the experimentation, and overcoming the obstacles and naysayers provides the concept for the space. Although design is important, these other elements tell you what form you need to accomplish the future vision for the space.

10. Money is not the issue This statement can apply in a number of ways.

For example, once you’ve put in the basic

that are added that will make it work will not be expensive (eg. vendors, cafes, flowers and seating). In addition, if the community and other partners are involved in programming and other activities, this can also reduce costs.

More important is that by following these steps, people will have so much enthusiasm for the project that the cost is viewed much more broadly, and consequently as not significant when compared with the benefits.

11. You are never finished By nature, good public spaces that respond to the needs, the opinions and the ongoing changes of the community require attention. Amenities wear

urban environment. Being open to the need for change and having the management flexibility to enact that change is what builds great public spaces and great cities and towns.

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Mindarie Piazza, ACO

REFERENCES 1. Placemaking and the Future of Cities.

Produced under the auspices of the UNHABITAT Sustainable Urban Development Network (SUD-Net). https://www.pps.org/ product/placemaking-and-the-futureof-cities

ODS

OUTDOOR DESIGN SOURCE

EXEMPLARY SHOWCASE Editor Nicole Mulloy Editorial & Digital Coordinator Ellie Busby Art Director Kate Podger Publishing Manager & NSW Sales Marcus Hucker Sales/Account Managers Antonia Bewley (QLD) Pilar Danlag (VIC) John Oliver (VIC) Advertising Art Director Martha Rubazewicz Advertising Production Coordinator Brendan Alder Cover Image Proludic Project Jacaranda Park (Grafton, NSW)

Chairman/CEO Prema Perera Publisher Janice Williams Chief Financial Officer Vicky Mahadeva Associate Publisher Emma Perera Circulation Business Development Manager Mark McTaggart Creative Director Kate Podger

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ADVERTISERS INDEX ACO Pty Ltd .................................................................14 Art Dinouveau ...........................................................20 Austek Play ..................................................................42 Australian Concrete Mats .............................71, 114 Benzini Precast Concrete ................................... 44 California Sports Surfaces .................................. 94

Marcus Constructions .......................................... 48

Endemic Landscapes............................................90 Entanglements .........................................................50 Eureka Landscapes .................................................22 Evolve Environmental Solutions ......................32 FieldTurf Australia.................................................... 16 Fleming’s Group .......................................56, 58, 59 Furphy Foundry .........................................................41 Futurewood ............................................................... 36 Granite Works ............................................................78 Grillex® ................................................................ IFC, 68 Heka Group ...................................................... 30, 102 Kaebel Leisure ..........................................................80 KOMPAN Australia ................................................. 74 Landmark Products .......................................40, 55

Play Workshop Pty Ltd ......................................... 96

Moduplay Group ................................................. 7, 98 Omnitech .....................................................................34 Parkitect ....................................................................... 84 Penfold Projects ........................................................12 Playscape Creations .......................................38, 92 Proludic .............................................OFC, 10, 86, 88 PTA Lanscapes ..........................................................72 Rhinoplay .............................................................4, 100 Shadeform .................................................................. 82 Steel Post and Rail .................................................. 64 Stoddart Infrastructure ............................ 18, OBC StraBe ............................................................................ 28 Timber Creations Nature Play .......................... 62 Total Environmental Concepts .........................76 Urban Play....................................................................24 Waterscapes Australia .......................................... 52 WillPlay ......................................................................... 66

ODS Exemplary Showcase | 113

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