If you were out and about in our playgrounds this autumn you might have noticed our expert team of testers at work.
Students from Balwyn's specialist Belmore School and assessors from Ability Works in Kew are helping us test and improve our small local playgrounds. We love hearing from our community about how we can ensure inclusive design and maximise how many people can enjoy our playgrounds.
The testers' job was to try out every aspect. Could they get into the playground? Was there anything there for them to do? Were they safe and comfortable using the equipment and getting around?
Thumbs up - and changes to make
Livian loved the big basket swing at Grovedale Park playground. Ryan was a fan of the magpie and frog footprints but suggested we consider dinosaur prints in future.
At South Surrey Park playground in Surrey Hills, which we're redesigning right now, Mark pointed out that he needs a gate latch he can open one-handed. More space would let him park his wheelchair at the picnic table. The team also noted that some of our playgrounds have edging to keep the tan bark in, but it can keep wheelchair users out. Dom has hearing loss and mentioned that gaps between play units help him keep track of his niece when supervising her.
The spinner we've proposed in the draft design for South Surrey Park was popular, and our testers suggested adding a seat would make it more inclusive. The bucket and pulley we've planned got the thumbs-up for including all abilities on ground and upper levels, so they can play together.
Our designers are already applying the testers' feedback to current and recent upgrades, including South Surrey Park and Kellett Reserve playgrounds.
'Not just compliant'
Belmore School principal Amanda White says involving people with disabilities in inclusive design helps create spaces that are welcoming, empowering and usable by everyone, not just compliant with legal standards.
'Their lived experiences provide essential insights into real-world barriers,' she says. 'By including them in the planning, design and evaluation processes we ensure that accessibility isn't just theoretical but genuinely functional and meaningful.'
Amanda says the students loved their job as playground testers. 'It was so fantastic to be able to witness the students' confidence in speaking to others and for themselves, and grow over the sessions we participated in.'
Inclusive design benefits all
Playground testing is new to the Ability Works inclusive design team, which assesses government and public infrastructure projects including new railway stations. Inclusive design manager Natalie Collins points out that designing for people with disability ultimately benefits everyone.
Ensuring wheelchair access also helps parents with prams, workers with trolleys and mobility scooter users. Planting around playgrounds to make quieter spaces also provides shade. Someone with limited mobility can use a wide basket swing, or it can hold several children or an adult and child.
'A reflection of our inclusive design work will be when people visit our playgrounds and don't even notice how inclusive they are,' she says. 'There'll be things for everyone to do and to access. Our work should be invisible and work for everyone.'
Check out our latest playgrounds
We upgrade multiple playgrounds throughout Boroondara every year. Here are the latest.
Recently upgraded
Kellett Reserve playground, Kew. Climb to the top of the new play unit and take in city views. We've just completed this brand-new playground so come along and check it out.
Under construction
Winton Road Reserve playground, Ashburton. This wonderful new playground has a nature play area with a learning circle, an accessible carousel, climbing stalk and other equipment children of all ages will love. It's due to be completed at the end of May.
Burwood Reserve playground, Glen Iris. There's plenty to get excited about at this new playground, including a bounce pad, rope-climbing unit and refurbished carousel. We expect it to be finished by mid-2025.
To be built soon
- Howard Dawson Reserve playground, Glen Iris
- Currently being designed based on community feedback:
- South Surrey Park playground, Surrey Hills
- Reservoir Reserve playground, Kew
- Dorothy Laver Reserve playground, Ashburton
- Mont Albert Park playground, Balwyn
- Norway Reserve playground, Canterbury
