Ayr (OPEN)

Plans set-out to transform an existing play area at Ayr's Anzac Park into a modern, inclusive playground that met the needs of children of all ages and abilities, and their families

Playground facts

Name: Anzac Park All Abilities Playground

Size: 3500m² (total park size 16,372m²)

Officially opened: 12 November 2011

Main play elements: Interactive music elements, climbing net, bird's nest swing, garden see-saw, play structure with slide, sensory plantings and a wheelchair-accessible Sway Fun rocker.

Facilities: Picnic shelter with a barbecue, a drinking fountain, bench and platform seating, bike stands and softfall rubberised surfacing throughout.

Toilet facilities: Automated unisex toilet.

Address: Anzac Park, Macmillan Street, Ayr.

Funding partners:

• Burdekin Shire Council ($85,000).
• Queensland Government ($325,550 Queensland All Abilities Playground Project)

For more information: Contact council on (07) 4783 9800.

Project summary

Prior to the project, there were no purpose-built facilities for children with a disability in the area. The need to address this gap was evident in the community's support of council's Expression of Interest submission to create an all abilities playground in Ayr.

The site selected for the playground was Anzac Park, a popular community recreational space featuring a skate park and existing playgrounds that paid tribute to local and regional landmarks, such as:

• the Ravenswood Gold Works
• a sand and water play area
• Burdekin Delta Transport
• a truck and mini bike area.

The Ayr All Abilities Playground Project commenced in October 2008, with key community stakeholders, including local school students, teachers, families and community organisations, participating in the planning process.

Community and school-based workshops were held, in addition to surveys, to capture local residents' ideas on what the new play space could offer, particularly regarding play experiences, access and other facilities. Throughout 2009-10, these ideas were transferred into concept design plans, which were then developed further in collaboration with the community.

The finalised design featured several different play zones, including senior active, junior, sand and water, open, swings and role play areas – all connected by wide pathways.

Several new pieces of playground equipment would be installed, with some existing elements refurbished and relocated. Among the new features were interactive music elements, bird's nest swing, garden see-saw, sensory plantings throughout and a wheelchair-accessible Sway Fun rocker, which features bench seating and space for two wheelchairs at the one time.