THE PADDOCKS

Combining a range of timber panels and custom elements, The Paddocks playspace is triumph of creative inspiration.

Nestled among the leafy grounds of The Paddocks Reserve in Parra Hills West, South Australia, this multi-towered play zone features bespoke units that form a modern treehouse with fun play opportunities for every age and ability to experience.

Designed and constructed by playground specialists Forpark Australia, working in conjunction with landscape contractors, Urban Landscape Construction, The Paddocks playspace is part of a larger reserve overhaul undertaken by the City of Salisbury Council.

Encompassing a large swathe of land stretching across six hectares, the reserve hosts sporting fields netball courts and a football oval, as well as a wetlands conservation zone, a fully enclosed dog park, and even a half-pipe for skaters, making it a well-attended public open space utilised by the whole community.

Boasting state-of-the-art play equipment, The Paddocks playground includes different slides of all shapes and sizes, climbing walls, water features, and everyone’s favourite, swings!

Working within a brief from the landscape designer that involved reimagining the wonders of Enid Blyton’s book The Magic Faraway Tree, the team at Forpark utilised their Essentials Range to create a series of vertical towers that would stand up to the rigors of play, cater to different ability levels, and blend into the surrounding natural environment.

The design of the towers plays with varying heights and hidden passageways. The natural-coloured uprights act as branches supporting energetic elements that are interconnected to create continuous play opportunities.

Key elements include a large tunnel slide, a seat-glide connecting the main towers, and an all-abilities access ramp onto the main platform. Tunnel passages, rope climbing elements and sensory panels are placed within each tower, providing options for both active and passive play.

Surrounded by rubber softfall for safety, as well as water and sand play elements, interactive play structures, a group seesaw, and even picnic settings, The Paddocks playspace is a bountiful area snugged into its bushland setting. With plenty of accessible pathways and intriguing play structures to try out, this space truly has something for everyone.

PROJECT PARTICULARS

Client City of Salisbury

Location Para Hills West, South Australia

Landscape Architect City of Salisbury (Arthur Chen)

Landscape Contractor Urban Landscape Construction

Rubber Softfall Dynamic Rubber Surfaces

Playground Equipment Forpark Australia