INCLUSIVE NATURE PLAY FROM TIMBER CREATIONS
12 Nov 2020
Andrew Smith Timber Creations combine nature play and formal equipment to create an inclusive playground for people of all-abilities.
The Andrew Smith Timber Creations team design playgrounds to the specific needs of the children who will use the space and offer brilliant play solutions to suit. Custom designed and built, the most recently completed project is an eye-catching fitness obstacle course that was created for an inclusive school playspace. 
Mixing together nature play and formal equipment, the playground includes a large tower lookout deck, with ramp and cargo net climbing access to the top, and a cubby section underneath. The soft rope has a great tactile texture which makes it comfortable to sit and lie on as well as climb, and the steep climbing ramp is a fun physical challenge that can be used in many different ways. 
Underneath the deck is a wheelchair accessible cubby, with many small carvings on the poles for discovery and sensory play. While open and easy to supervise, this cubby area feels private and cosy, due to the surrounding equipment and tree canopy. Students can access from the main obstacle trail or over the beautiful, curved bridge that leads out through the retaining wall. 
A non-prescriptive nature play parkour area encourages kids to get moving, with a selection of balancing logs, branches, climbing totems, stilts and gym rings to conquer. More formal fitness equipment, such as sit-up benches, for more direct learning. 
The new playspace is also connected to an existing older playground area by a rope crossing challenge. One of the most popular play elements, it may look simple at first but kids soon realise what a work-out it is. 
Access paths have been left around the space to ensure students with wheelchairs can move around and through the space, and several engravings, which can be reached from a seated position, have been included for tactile and discovery play. 
Students with autism and sensory processing disorders can more easily use this new playspace with its natural textures and colours, and its many sensory, tactile features to explore. The under-deck cubby and log branches surrounding the trees also provide a peaceful feeling and a place to relax away from the main active play elements. 
Contact Andrew Smith Timber Creations via the links below to find out how they can help you design your own custom playground.
