REIMAGINING A PREHISTORIC IDEA

A favourite climbing structure has taken on new prehistoric dimensions with a dinosaur-themed design upgrade.

Located in the burgeoning residential development of Donnybrae in Donnybrook, Victoria, a newly completed playground has been given a Jurassic-themed design to give local kids the ultimate play adventure.

Billed as a close-knit community, Donnybrae is a residential development located within the City of Whittlesea. Conveniently situated near public transportation, the developing estate will boast future schools, shopping destinations, restaurants, sports facilities and commercial hubs. But the latest build causing a stir is the public greenspace with colourful playground.

The playspace features a series of equipment, from conventional and nest swings to springers and inground trampolines, all scattered across a vibrantly coloured softfall surface. At its centre stands a giant, elongated climbing centre with the head of a dinosaur!

Designed and manufactured by Kaebel Leisure, this striking structure is a custom-designed riff on the compay’s innovative and versatile Spaghetti Structure range.

Commissioned by landscape architect firm Tract, Kaebel worked to complete a concept and design to fit the architect’s brief for a dinosaur-themed playspace. A great deal of research went into refining the material palette to ensure the completed design would have the desired aesthetic, while being able to withstand the external environment and provide appropriate play challenges.

The dinosaur’s head, in particular, is a masterpiece. The sculptural form was crafted using a heavy steel subframe clad in a variety of perforated metal panels. The perforations form a decorative pattern that give the unit its character, while climbing pegs secured to the panel allow little adventurers to climb Dino’s face up to a netted tunnel.

The body of the dinosaur is shaped like an unearthed skeleton, formed by the solid structure of the Spaghetti frame. Flowing curves create a rib-cage-like serpentine tunnel from which various play units are connected to or suspended from.

A climbing net stretches across the ribs directly behind the head, allowing the fearless to climb right over the top of the dinosaur, while heavy ropes anchored to the next frame provide agility obstacles. The final section of the structure features a pair of nest swings and a climbing tunnel that gives users the opportunity to climb up and out onto the beast’s tail.

For those who dare, behind the head of the dinosaur sits an elevated tower with an enclosed slide that twists down to the ground — making it look like children are popping out of Dino’s mouth!

Large palm trees stand tall over the playspace, adding to its prehistoric feel, while naturally landscaped edges form an organic perimeter that makes it look like users are playing in the jungle. A nearby sheltered picnic area adds amenity to the space and a connected greenspace offers more room to run around. With its plethora of play elements and a dinosaur skeleton to boot, what more could any kid ask for?

THE SPAGHETTI COLLECTION

Attracting children of all ages, the Spaghetti Structure collection from Kaebel Leisure combines architectural design with rope artistry to produce something new and original. “Children are attracted to organic shapes, vivid colours and challenging opportunities,” explains the company.

Made from heavy-grade stainless steel and powdercoated to a colour of the client’s choosing, this range features purpose-designed hardware and subtle detail that demonstrates Kaebel’s commitment to quality and ingenuity.

Designed with architectural appeal in mind, as well as functionality, Spaghetti Structures are engineered in fun and organic shapes from which play equipment can be suspended. Easily transported, these frames are engineered for quick and simple assembly onsite.

PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client Tract
Location Donnybrook, Victoria
Landscape Architect Tract
Installation Arena Gardens
Landscape Contractor Super Gardens
Design & Manufacture Kaebel Leisure