westmead Children's hospital, sydney
Design Brief:
The existing playground was tired and in need of refurbishment. Existing fixed play equipment was no longer compliant with current standards and synthetic surfaces were in poor condition. The shade sail needed replacing and more seating provided for carers.
The brief was for a variety of playground surfacing eg, organic mulch and synthetic products; provide exploratory play areas and spaces of active and quiet play areas.
The objective was to retain the existing dry creek bed and sandpit; utilise natural features such as sandstone boulders & timber logs; include sensory play eg, music, texture & colour . A timber boardwalk, fixed play equipment and cubby area were also desired items.
As a demonstration playground it was important the design illustrated attention to detail as well as safety standards that still let children take a few risks and enjoy exciting challenges.
A wide range of play activities were included, natural features such as native plantings attract local wildlife, and boulders and timber structures to climb are integral to the design.
Designers - Daniel Kavanagh & Fiona Temple, The Gardenmakers
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