PLAYSPACE LETS KIDS BE KIDS

Waterlily Park is a great example of what can be achieved when councils and community groups work together to create something for the locals. Byron Shire Council and the Waterlily Playscape Committee partnered with The Play Works to create an accessible addition to already popular playground that ensures all kids can have fun, regardless of ability.

Byron Shire Mayor, Simon Richardson, said the space was a wonderful example of a project that started with some local residents seeing huge potential for improvements at their local park. “Waterlily Park is now a child’s dream play area with an amazing treehouse, rope climbing nets, a seesaw and a slippery-dip. This playground is about kids being kids – getting away from their screens, getting outside in the fresh air and using their imaginations."

One of the most exciting new features of the upgraded park is an all-abilities flying fox, which allows children with disabilities to experience the thrill of ‘flying’ and ensures they don’t miss out on the fun.

The structures have been built with Ironbark timber logs to provide durability and to blend with the beautiful, natural setting of the park. Accents of blue and green lift the structures and complement the timber finishes.

The main treehouse tower encourages children of all abilities to play in the same space without compromising on creating a challenge; with nets to climb, net floors between the top and bottom levels, and a range of interactive pieces in the lower areas. Wheelchairs can easily access all activities and the bridge, as well as the harness seat of the flying fox.

The flying fox is specially engineered to be extra-long – an incredible 40m distance from crossbar to crossbar. The all-abilities harness provides full back support and has a five-point harness if needed. The full seat is also a great option for smaller children to safely experience the pleasure of flying.

For more information on these projects contact The Play Works via the links below.