BESPOKE PLAY AT ITS BEST

Totally custom playscape breathes new life into an old port town.

Seeing a former industrial precinct given back to the community as dedicated public space is always exciting. Riverbend Park in Launceston, Tasmania, is no exception. A government funded project, the barren industrial site was sadly lacking amenity, despite its picturesque location on the banks of the River Tamar.

Transformed into usable greenspace, the new all-abilities park has created a revived waterfront for locals and visitors that offers something for everyone — one highlight being the bespoke gigantic net play structure by Moduplay.

Historically cut off from the centre of town, visually and physically, by flood levees and industrial zoning, the waterfront site presented a unique opportunity. To shift focus back to the river, Launceston City Council launched a rehabilitation project in the form of an active open space that would reconnect the central areas of the city with the underutilised spaces along the river.

The masterplan for the site, proposed by landscape architecture firm Playstreet, included a cluster of four play areas that would provide activities and recreation opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Understanding that open space is a vital part of social inclusion and long-term health and wellbeing, Riverbend Park was born.

Designed, manufactured and installed by Moduplay, the Confluence Net is a special attraction in the overall scheme. Based on a concept that signifies the joining of the Tamar and Esk rivers, its innovative design offers an array of play opportunities for children of all ages and abilities, and even adults.

Stemming from a steel tubular framework in vibrant orange, the structure was designed and manufactured with unique connection engineering to facilitate invisible joints. Seamless connections guarantee strength and longevity, as well as meeting Australian Standards for safety and performance.

The Confluence Net structure offers a range of play activities from suspended climbing rope net challenges down to the gentle rocking of a nest swing, as well as a tube slide and tunnel, inground trampolines, and even rock climbing walls. Built over a bed of multicoloured softfall rubber and spread across multiple levels, the Confluence Net playspace has something for everyone — regardless of age or ability.

Incorporated into a larger scheme that includes a fitness zone, picnic space, a waterplay area and sandpit, as well as greenspace and full-size sports court, all interspersed with pedestrian and cycle pathways, the Moduplay Confluence Net is a standout feature of this well-loved public space.

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PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client City of Launceston
Location Launceston, Tasmania
Landscape Architect Playstreet
Playscape Design Moduplay Group
Manufacture & Install Moduplay Group

COMPANY
Moduplay Group