A SEA OF IMAGINATION
30 May 2019
Overflowing with activities for all ages, Newport Waterside is now home to a state-of-the-art inclusive playground created with Urban Play that encourages the whole family to get outside, soak up the sun and play!
The new playground at Spinnaker Park was created by the collaborative efforts of Urban Play, CUSP Landscape Architecture, Eureka Landscapes, Stockland and Touched by Olivia.
The playground draws inspiration from the neighbouring $90 million centrepiece lake. A colossal 11-metre Sail Tower that is inspired by a ship, referencing the nautical theme of the space, pierces the sky and is filled with multi-level climbing activities and two fast slides. 
An elevated ramp that is fitted with slides and a climbing net curves the side of the Sail Tower, offering a unique perspective over Newport Lake and acting as an inclusive entrance to the Tower.
Playground designer, Ben Urban, said, “The nautical theme inspires children to set sail across a sea of imagination and experience free play on the ground plain, with inclusive and sensory play opportunities created with a wide variety of materials. The surface and play equipment naturally integrate into the surrounding hard and soft landscapes and the custom-designed 11-metre-high Sail Tower offers incredible views over Newport Lake and the entire park.” 
For little adventurers, there is a Toddler Sail Tower fitted with climbing activities, a slide and peeping holes that encourage social interaction. Continuing the nautical theme, a Sand and Water Play Tower and a Robinia Play Ship lets children be the captains of their own adventure while encouraging social, physical and cognitive development.
An architecturally-designed cobalt blue Coconut Rope Swing stands out from the landscape and teaches children how to play collaboratively. Custom-designed beige and blue Climbing Nets develop children’s cross-body coordination, balance and cognitive thinking, with swinging seats underneath providing passive play opportunities and places to sit, swing and take in the playspace. 
Bright blue circular rubber mounds provide a place for bouncing, sitting or standing while adding another innovative dimension to the playground's design.
“We wanted to design a playground that celebrates the beach lifestyle that Australian families know and love,” Urban continued. “An intergenerational design approach was taken to design a play environment that caters to all ages, with equipment offering a wide variety of play activities that develop and challenge children’s physical, social and cognitive development to grow healthy, happy and confident.” 
The Newport playground challenges the status quo of playground design and construction. It is a playground that integrates the hard and soft landscapes surrounding it while offering a unique play experience every time. The architectural forms and materiality anchors this space as a play destination that stands apart, projects quality, and provides endless hours of fun for all ages and abilities. 
