The transformation of Thomas H Halton Park at Croudace Bay – one of Lake Macquarie’s biggest playgrounds – is complete and now open for play! The main attraction of this nautical-themed playground is Proludic’s wheelchair accessible bespoke Galleon Ship. It features an accessible ramp, numerous play activities around and inside the ship, inclusive and interactive experiences for everyone to play together.
Thomas H Halton Park was a finalist in the 2022 Parks and Leisure Australia NSW/ACT Regional Awards of Excellence, in the ‘Playspace Award (>$0.5M)’ award category.
- Client: Lake Macquarie City Council
- Location: 5A Bareki Rd, Eleebana NSW 2282
- Year: 2022
Park upgrade project
Thomas H Halton Park’s $5.4 million upgrade includes a new feature playground, amenities buildings, exercise station, multicourt and dog park. The park upgrade works were completed in December 2021. The project was funded by the NSW Government Everyone Can Play grant program which contributed to $200,000 to the all-abilities playground, with Council funding the rest of the park transformation project.
The revamp (of Thomas H Halton Park) would make Croudace Bay a destination for people of all ages seeking outdoor fun and fitness
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser
The new 10,000sqm fenced playground features a Proludic 15m-long Galleon ship, as well as a shaded area for younger children, swings, and picnic shelters with barbecues.
Inclusive and accessible Galleon Ship
Proludic was engaged to provide an inclusive and accessible, custom-designed Galleon ship (J1960) which is the central feature of the playground. In keeping with the overall playground design for a natural feel and look, the Galleon was provided with a customised colour palette of earthy tones.
Built on an impressive scale this three-masted play ship is over 15 metres from end to end with masts that reach 8.2 metres at their highest point! Its fully accessible deck is accessible via a custom connection ramp with solid balustrades made of HPL panels and stainless steel.
The Galleon’s inclusive design with wide openings and accessible ramp enables people using mobility aids to freely circulate inside and around the ship.
The numerous play features inside, around and under the boat include slides, climbing and balancing elements, rope structures, interactive play panels. These playful activities support physical, imaginative, social, cognitive and sensory play experiences. Everyone can play together, even parents that use a wheelchair can get on board!
The play structure is made of robust and high quality materials to sustain high play use and a harsh marine environment.
We were pleased to receive very positive feedback from the client about the playground and our Galleon Ship:
The playground is proving to be very popular, and the ship is a great feature play element. The Galleon has been a great success, both contractually and for our community. It’s always packed
Bradley Marriott, Project Officer at Lake Macquarie City Council
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