Creekwood Estate Play Space Opening

Inclusive playground design process

The recently opened Creekwood Estate Play Space is unique in many aspects – most particularly the inclusive design process that was utilised. The Creekwood Estate is near Caloundra, Queensland, and this play space is part of a newly constructed two hectare park, costing $2 million.

Designed by Sharon Bell from Design Instincts Landscape Architects, the play space has a focus on ‘nature play’,  utilising rocks, trees and logs as part of an obstacle course style playground.

The developer, AVJennings, believes the natural playground will encourage kids to get back to nature and discover ‘old fashioned’ play by climbing trees, balancing along logs and swinging through nets.

Also included in the space are some structured play elements that were supplied by adventure+, including a large modular rope climbing structure, Gyro swing and a double community swing.

Playground favourites including a giant Gyro swing, swings and rope climbing structures have been installed, however, the majority of equipment is made from natural materials.

AVJennings sales manager

Design Instincts Landscape Architects instigated a community art project where students from the nearby Meridan State College helped ‘personalise’ the park, with the prep pupils using their painted hands to decorate pavers, while older children created unique artwork on the tiles.

The Meridan State College visual art teacher Pia Manttan, who coordinated the art project, said more than 600 students from Prep through to Year 12 had been involved in the art project.

The official public opening was held on Tuesday the 10th October 2017 by Cr Peter Cox and the AVJennings Queensland team, alongside company ambassador and star Firebirds netball player Romelda Aiken.

Students from the Meridan State College also attended to view the work they were involved in.