Ipswich City Council is celebrating its first all abilities themed playground, which was recently installed at Browns Park.
The new equipment was installed as part of a total refurbishment of the park. It will allow children of all age groups and physical abilities to be able to play.
While the City’s main Queens Park already has accessibility for disabled children, this will be the first park in Ipswich where every piece of equipment is designed for children with special needs.
Councillor Cheryl Bromage said the playground will be fully accessible to children with disabilities.
“The playground will allow all children, regardless of ability levels, to have equal access to play equipment so they can learn, grow and develop during play,” she said.
“The playground, footpaths, retaining walls and new shelters have been constructed to cater for party groups near the playground.
“It is fantastic to see the range of unique playground equipment available now to cater for everybody’s needs.
“An example of this is the birds nest swing which is particularly popular with people with babies and very young children.
“There is also a line of drums which will prove very popular and a ‘telephone pipe’ through which users can communicate.”
The playground also features the first Yard Net and second Palace Fortress to be installed in Queensland.
The Palace Fortress has attributes of ground play, podium steps for ease of access, and assisted climbing walls.
The Sonarc activities, TV role play and listening tubes are all under surfaced and set at heights to provide a greater access for all.
Councillor Bromage said local groups like Focal Extended Incorporated had zoned in on the park just a short way up the road from their premises.
“Focal provides community support for people with a disability, plus a very successful Vacation Care program and a number of life skill activities to assist clients to live active and fulfilling lives,” she said.
“Having a playground like this on
the door step will provide another
fulfilling activity for people with an intellectual disability.”
