By Michelle Barry, the Team Leader for Child Health Promotion for Healthy Cities Illawarra
Playgrounds that are fully fenced are few and far between, but so very valued by parents who have “runners” or children who need additional support. It allows adults to relax and breathe while encouraging children in free play without the need for us to hover to maintain their safety. They are spaces where children of all abilities can interact freely and are often designed as inclusive play spaces, heightening the value for all children. Check out some of these great examples across our region!
1. Luke’s Place Corrimal Memorial Park, Princess Hwy, Corrimal
Luke’s Place is designed as an inclusive playground for all children of all abilities. The fully fenced playground means children can be allowed to explore freely without concern for road safety and running off. It was named in honour of local Corrimal resident Luke Rapley and has a no-step slide, roundabout, water play and shade. Council also provides a social story about going to Luke’s Place playground, which can be important to prepare children for the activity.
2. Livvi’s Place, Mitchell Parade/ Ocean Street, Mollymook
This gorgeous, colourful playground at Mollymook by the beach is part of a network of playgrounds across Australia created by Touched by Olivia. So far, they have created 42 inclusive playgrounds across Australia. The fully fenced playground shines a light on the importance of play as a medium through which all children and people can connect. There are accessible changing facilities in their bathrooms.
3. Ski Way Park, The Esplanade Oak Flats
This is a small, fully fenced playground along the lake walkway. We like this one as it’s a great pram walk (approx. 1.8km one way) from Central Park Oak Flats to here along the lake with some natural shade. When you get to Ski Way Park, you can let the kids out for a run and have a rest yourself before the return walk. There’s natural shade and a bubbler available, plus some picnic tables by the water for a lunch stop to watch the birds and boats come by.
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