REGIONAL PLAY IN FULL BLOOM

One of the largest inclusive playspaces in Australia, Jacaranda Park is an imaginative journey into a natural wonderland.

Located in Grafton in regional New South Wales, Jacaranda Park boasts an inclusive playspace that caters to kids of all ages and abilities with a range of play equipment from playspace specialists Proludic. From Galleon ship to Kanopè rainforest tower, this iconic destination park includes something for everyone.

Commissioned by Clarence Valley Council, the playground designed by Proludic was inspired by the region’s natural environment. Working closely with Council, from outcomes derived through community engagement and overseen by external consultants, Proludic developed unique play solutions that express the many facets of the area. Divided into three play zones; Coastal Beaches, Floodplain and Sandstone Country, the playground boasts an array of inclusive play solutions that boost the imagination of little players and provides a tangible link to the surrounding environment.

Representing the eastern part of the region, the Coastal Beaches play zone is designed to meet the needs of sea-loving kiddos. Featuring Proludic’s bespoke Galleon ship, this impressive three-masted structure stretches 20 metres from end to end. Sporting a fully accessible access ‘plank’, to aid entry onto the ship, and wide decks, circulating around the structure is made easier for people requiring mobility aids or using wheelchairs to join in on the fun.

Named after a ship that traded on the Clarence River in the 1850s, The Phoenix encourages kids to set sail on new adventures through physical, social, cognitive and sensory play activities. Using Proludic’s award-winning Grafic Games technology, custom wave graphics were added to the panels of the ship to give the impression of gliding across the high seas. Anchors, portholes, seagulls and cloud graphics all enhance the coastal theme.

Completing the Coastal zone is a smaller boat for toddlers and a Dippy the Dolphin inclusive springer, which encourages up to six children to play together. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a coastal area if there wasn’t a sand factory to encourage cooperative play, creativity and fine motor skills.

Moving up the age line, the Sandstone Country play zone represents the escarpments, forests and waterfalls that surround Clarence Valley. Targeting older children, Proludic’s Kanopè rainforest tower takes centre stage in this area. Soaring seven metres high, the nature-inspired rainforest tower enhances imaginative and active play. Kids can climb the rope staircase to reach the play houses perched high up in the tower, before rocketing down to the ground via a thrilling spiral tube slide.

Packing just as much punch, the Ixo Multiplay unit extending off the Kanopè lets big kids test their strength and challenge themselves as they make their own rules. Add a kayak slide, climbing wall and fireman’s pole and you’ve got a structure for added thrills and spills as they build their skills. To cap it off, you can’t beat the custom-designed three bay swing that enables children of all ages to fly through the air together.

Representing the area adjacent to the Clarence River, the final play zone, the Floodplain, holds a diverse range of play activities and natural play elements. Wandering adventurers can choose from a water pump, dry creek bed, stepping stones or balancing equipment as they leap around the space.

Part of a larger park scheme, Proludic’s imaginative playspace is surrounded by community amenities that include a buddy bench, picnic shelters, barbecues, park furniture, drinking fountains, all covered with soaring shade structures. The park and play zones are linked by an accessible pathway, which doubles as a handy riding track.

A much-needed community upgrade totalling $1.26 million in infrastructure and build costs, Jacarada Park is now a well-loved space in the Grafton area. “This is an amazing upgrade to Jacaranda Park and the new playground facilities will no doubt attract children and their families from Grafton and the wider Clarence Valley region,” claimed Mr Gulaptis, Member for Clarence.

One of the largest inclusive playspaces anywhere in Australia, Jacaranda Park took out a highly commended award at the 2020 NSW Local Government Asset Management and Infrastructure Initiatives.

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PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client Clarence Valley Council
Location Grafton, NSW
Design & Supply Proludic
Installation Proludic
Photography Simon Hughes Media

COMPANY
Proludic
P   1300 800 181
E   info@proludic.com.au
W   proludic.com.au