More features and benefits for the community playspace
Playspaces are essential, provided that the park provides safe and accessible facilities
Mannering Park was one of the local level parks earmarked by Central Coast Council as part of their Playspace Management Program to be upgraded to a district level playspace. This meant removing old deteriorating play equipment and replacing it with a renewed playspace that is larger and provides new play equipment to minimise risk.
Given that the site in question sat between netball courts, tennis courts and a shared pathway, adding to the general facilities and providing a range of equipment and activities to suit all ages and abilities was extremely important.
The brief for this park upgrade was simple:
- Provide safe accessible equipment that provides enough activities and facilities to entertain for an extended time frame (boredom busting was essential!)
- Ensure that a wide range of ages and abilities are considered in the design
- Consider the surrounding activities and provide a space that reflects the needs of local residents.
a_space submitted the only tender proposal that included outdoor fitness equipment, which we saw as a critical part of the brief considering the aging population of the area to provide full inclusion for all users and carers.
Our design considered the neighbouring netball and tennis courts and included both play and fitness equipment to offer something for the whole family. The play design is aimed primarily at ages 2-12, but with the additional fitness equipment this age range is meerly a number as our innovative, body-weight adjustable Outdoor Fitness Equipment can be used safely (depending on the level of supervision for younger ones) by everyone!
Another big plus for this playspace was the utilisation of steel. Council had previously used some timber elements in parks, but in a harsh coast location timber just doesn’t stand up to the test of time. a_space also offers a ‘Marine Grade’ option. We have spent years refining our specifications to deliver our ‘Marine Grade’ option to be applied in coastal locations – salt spray, sand and high levels of UV from the sun can cause serious corrosion, fading and a breakdown in materials seeing both safety compromised and life of equipment cut short.
The other reason Council chose a_space was that because we’re proud viable Australian Manufacturers, our lead times are some of the best around, and our customers have access to spare parts and aftersales service from our dedicated team in a fraction of the time our overseas counterparts can offer.
Thanks to the dedicated time and experience put in to this design proposal, users can benefit in multiple ways. So much thought has gone into creating this environment.
All play events have been strategically placed to allow ease of movement within the site. Activities include a Whirly Gig Spinner, a 6m Activity Net with a twisted custom rope attachment leading to a stainless steel slide (which will stand the test of time in the marine location) and a separate junior play unit. Local parents and carers will be pleased to note that the junior area has been enclosed on 3 sides for extra safety and to act as a barrier to any traffic on the main walkway.
Inclusive play items such as a Clown Fish Rocker, and a Birds Nest Swing were also included to provide equipment for all users – no matter their physical ability.
The fitness station includes our popular Elliptical Trainer, Pull Down, Pull Ups and Leg Raises and Leg Press from our Fit for Parks Range. The Fit for Parks Range is Designed for a wide range of ages and abilities. Each item of equipment allows flexibility to cater to the various strength, fitness and agility levels of the people using it.
Excited about providing an inclusive environment for your community? Give us a call on 1800 632 222 to discuss your project, or click here to contact us.
