CULTURAL DIVERSITY AT PLAY

Reflecting the diverse culture of the region, this dynamic public space offers something for everyone through open space and waterplay.

A multicultural riverside region home to more than 300,000 Queenslanders, Logan City is full of natural beauty filled with extensive parks, wetlands and nature reserves. Fast becoming South-East Queensland’s cultural epicentre, the diverse community takes tremendous pride in their city and community assets; making Logan Gardens the ideal site for infrastructure upgrades instigated by Logan City Council.

In a bid to improve consolidation of the existing civic space, with room for future expansion, Council commissioned the delivery of Logan Gardens Water Park. Collaboration between principal contractor Interface Landscapes, landscape architecture firm URBIS and aquatics construction specialists Playscape Creations, overseen by project management firm CoLab, created a strong team that proved invaluable to Council in the realisation of this project.

Unified with Council’s newly constructed Wembley Link Pathway, URBIS’s design celebrates the diversity of the local community through an eloquent piece of landscape architecture. Featuring towering totem poles and colourful patterning representing the “flags of the world”, colours from the flags of the most prominent nationalities in Logan were represented in new and engaging ways.

Featuring a variety of water experiences, generous relaxation areas and a flexible gathering space for public events, connections were carefully considered throughout the design. From the arbours and zoned eating areas to the paths connecting to Wembley link and the surrounding community amenities, the  thoughtful design demonstrates how something as simple as a pathway connection can become a meaningful and welcoming journey, opening access to the space for the whole community. In addition, crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) considerations were incorporated via the careful selection of materials, finishes and product selection, to ensure clear lines of sight throughout the waterplay area for carer supervision.

The aquatic play area incorporates a range of active and passive aqua play opportunities for users of all ages. Powdercoated stainless steel totem poles with sprays at various levels provide an active play area, with multiple sensory experiences from the spray mist to the textured ground and water underfoot. A custom dumper bucket adds thrill and adventure, discharging an incredible waterfall of water sporadically to users below. A 50-millimetre-deep wading pool was integrated into the space to create a safe but different tactile experience.

The 14 tonne water table was created with a custom mould and constructed in a single concrete pour offsite before being craned into position.

A range of choreographed fountains were introduced into the design to increase interactivity within the space. Incorporating colourful lights and variable fountain heights and pressures provides night-time activation, extending the community’s use of the park during warmer periods and specialised events.

Shade had been an integrated feature of the design from the outset. Functional hyper sails add to the overall aesthetic of the park and, acting as a mirror, reflect the flow of the water below and the dancing colours of the choreographed fountain lights at night, giving park goers a truly immersive sensory experience.

Council also wanted to ensure there were plenty of relaxed lounging areas for supervision of children using the space, so a number of platform seats were included in order to accommodate families and larger gatherings. Innovative caterpillar style seating was conceptualised to create a functional border between the aquatic and adventure play areas — with the snaking arrangement reflective of the flow of water throughout the aquatics zone.

The plant room for the scheme is hidden behind a new amenities block and is fully equipped with the latest technology, producing 1400 litres of clean water per minute. The water quality is effectively managed through four sand filters and additional dosing and sterilising systems, with a unique user interface that allows remote system monitoring via telemetry.

A number of established trees onsite required careful consideration around the tree protection zones. Extensive plantings were completed to disguise and protect the underground balance tanks, and new turf was laid to enhance the overall beauty of the site. 

The Logan Gardens Water Park is an asset for the Logan City community, with people travelling from all over Brisbane to visit — contributing to the local economy. Attracting people of all ages and abilities from all cultural backgrounds, Logan Gardens Water Park is the social epicentre of the region, allowing people to interact and socialise harmoniously.

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PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client Logan City Council
Location Logan City, Queensland
Principal Contractor Interface Landscapes
Landscape Architect URBIS
Design & Supply Playscape Creations

COMPANY
Playscape Creations