A RIPPER OF A GOOD TIME

 Placing family enjoyment at the heart of its community, Sunshine Park is a standout playspace ready to serve the inhabitants of Ripley Valley.

As part of the Ripley Valley area development, this masterplanned community will be home to around 120,000 people by 2040. Located in Ipswich, only 40 minutes from Brisbane, Sunshine Park is set to be a much-loved recreational space for the Bellevue community.

Designed by Saunders Havill Group, with equipment designed by Playscape Creations, Sunshine Park and its landscaped surrounds was delivered by principal contractor TLCC, with play equipment installed by Playscape Installations. Featuring an expansive play-ground, pump track, half court, kick-about field and ample seating and shade for families, this residential play zone is a quality asset for the burgeoning community.

Sunshine Park is envisaged as the green heart of Bellevue Estate, with expansive views across the development to the ranges beyond. An engaging, active space with much to see and do, the park has been designed to cater to all members of the community, regardless of age, ability, gender or culture.

At its centre stands the Kuranda Rainforest Tower. Standing eight metres in height, it was designed to be seen across the estate, forming a beacon to families to come and play. The aesthetics of the Kuranda Rainforest Tower were inspired by towering rainforest trees and their symbiotic relationship with the creeping vines that surround them.

Offering unstructured play opportunities over three levels, the inclined internal decks challenge children to explore three-dimensional space and develop their gross motor skills as they climb and explore. Completely enclosed by stainless steel mesh, clear lines of sight are offered across all levels, with the internal dimensions large enough to facilitate active adult supervision and engagement.

Access between levels is achieved through multiple vertical climbing tunnels, ball pommels and nets, with an exhilarating ride to the bottom via a 4.5-metre tube slide. The lower levels offer inclusive and passive play opportunities with tunnels, nets and a hangout space.

A Kuranda Cubby is situated within the junior play area. This enticing “right-sized” structure invites younger children to explore. Active, social and imaginative play experiences abound, with a junior step-and-slide system, multiple entryways and soaring ceiling heights allowing children to create their own games alongside their peers.

A double-bay swing was designed to align aesthetically with the architectural nature of the main structures, with the angled and curved double post configuration adding a delightful visual aspect to the play experience. The two bays offer singular and group swinging experiences suitable for people of all ages.

Complementing the play experience is a challenging pump track that encourages children to engage in active play on scooters and bikes, while the entire area is shaded, allowing families to stay for longer. An all-abilities carousel allows children in wheelchairs to transfer directly onto the carousel to spin and engage with their peers, rather than being segregated in another section of the playground.

A half-court and expansive kickabout area cater for older children and games for the whole family, encouraging social interaction and relationship building among members of the community. In addition, shelters and ample seating provide ultimate user comfort that creates an atmosphere of welcome and inclusivity.

With something for everyone, this fun-filled playscape with beautiful views is a dream location for present and future inhabitants of the growing neighbourhood.

PROJECT PARTICULARS

Client HB Land

Location Ripley Valley, Queensland

Design Saunders Havill Group

Landscape Contractor The Landscape Construction Company (TLCC)

Equipment Installation Playscape Installations

Play Equipment Playscape Creations