Everyone can play at Waitara Park

WINNER – 2020 PLAYSPACE AWARD >$0.5M

2020 Awards of Excellence, NSW/ACT Region, Parks & Leisure Australia

WINNER – 2020 PUBLIC SPACES $500K-$1M

2020 Kidsafe National Playspace Design Awards

With the opening of the latest inclusive playspace project in Waitara Park as part of the Everyone Can Play government initiative, Proludic confirms its expertise in the design of inclusive playgrounds.

The playground features a diverse range of innovative play equipment suitable for children of all ages and abilities including a play tower, inground trampolines, accessible carousels, inclusive swings and much more.

Site: Waitara Park, 22 Waitara Avenue NSW 2077
Client: Hornsby Shire Council
Age Range: from 1 year old
Opened: April 2019

The upgrade of the Waitara Park Precinct was much-needed and the local and wider community can now enjoy an expanded and improved recreational space.

This inclusive playspace was carefully designed by Council with extensive consultation of the local community. The new playground looks fantastic and is exciting for kids of different ages and abilities to explore. We are truly proud of the results.
Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock

The playspace incorporates universal design principles and includes an extensive range of play equipment, providing a place where “everyone can play”. Proludic’s seven metre high Amazon Tower (J47201) is a focal point for young adventurers that ignites the imagination, inspiring children to become mini explorers. The jungle-themed structure includes climbing and sliding challenges, sensory and visual elements. Stunning views of the surrounding parkland are possible at each level of the tower as children approach the thrilling summit before sliding back to the jungle floor.

The junior play area also includes two Proludic Inclusive Trampolines (R34-ETP-000) and the spinning and rocking Hip Hop (J2410), both of which combine motor skills and sensory stimulation for the kids, allowing them to have fun and explore their senses, gaining a better understanding of how their body works and feels in space.

Adjacent to the junior area is the inclusive toddler’s playspace. The main feature is Proludic’s accessible Diabolo Multi-Play (J38200), which encourages the development of mobility, fine motor skills, cognitive recognition and sensory stimulation with a wide variety of activities. An access ramp and ground-based play ensures that all kids can access every exciting activity that is on offer, so that no one gets left out. There is plenty of room for adults around and within the structure so that caring support can be offered if needed.

Additional inclusive equipment includes:

the Sensory Flowers (J3418) with multi-sensory activities;
the Big Twiny Car (J2611) with access for children using mobility aids;
the Play Hut (J287) with room to play both inside and outside;
the Rodeo Disc (J2593) for sensory and motor stimulation;
the Twisty Rotating Disc (J2592) for balancing;

a Tiboo toddlers’ slide (J3902) for the first experience of sliding;
a two-bay swing set with Pod seat and inclusive seat (J492) where everyone can swing;
a swing set with four flat seats (J494);
accessible carousels (J2404)

The playground also features stunning artwork from the local artists from Studio Artes – an art centre initiative for people with disabilities – alongside new garden beds and trees. The adjacent tennis centre provides a kiosk and outdoor shaded area, providing a place for parents and carers to relax while staying close to their children. The installation of pathways and accessible safety surfacing was carefully considered to allow for safe and easy access throughout the playspace and to the play equipment. Multiple seating options and plenty of shade ensures a comfortable place for everyone to play and relax together.

This fun and inclusive new playspace at Waitara Park received an Everyone Can Play grant of $600,000 towards the project from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

Proludic has always been dedicated to the provision of inclusive play equipment and sharing its expertise regarding the design of inclusive playgrounds. Our Commercial Manager, Madeleine Walding, participated in the Everyone Can Play Advisory Group that supported the development of the Everyone Can Play Guideline.

Our own Inclusive Play Areas Guide document achieved a Good Design Award Gold in 2016. Proludic’s vision, therefore, aligns with the Department of Planning’s provision of resources to assist with the development of inclusive playgrounds.

Watch a video of the playground opening day, by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment: