Boundless National Children's Playground

Tuesday, 19 June 2012 08:24 administrator

The Boundless National Children's Playground is a proposed playground, a gift from the community of public servants in the ACT and their associates to mark the Centenary of Canberra. Boundless National Children's Playground will aim to be Australia's premier playground in its location and design, in order to match the significance of the Centenary of Canberra.

Boundless Canberra will be the first all abilities playground for the ACT and surrounds. It is a playground where children, young people and adults can play, socialise, be challenged and have lots of fun. This will be a space where there are no barriers to play or inclusion. At a minimum, the playground caters for vision, hearing and mobility impairments, as well as spectrum disorders. It is truly an all abilities playground because it caters for the physical, social and emotional needs of all members of the community.

Given the significance of the Centenary of Canberra, Boundless National Children's Playground will include elements that allow artistic, environmental, social inclusion, cultural and historical expression. The commemorative intent of the Centenary of Canberra will be incorporated within the design of the playground.

Click here for more information on the proposed playground

Proposed Location

The Boundless Canberra playground is proposed to be situated in the Canberra Central Parklands, next to the National Carillon on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin.

Attachments:
Consultation Report on Boundless National Children's Playground	[Consultation Report on Boundless National Children's Playground]	43 Kb	06-Dec-2012
Consultation Report on Boundless National Children's Playground	[Consultation Report on Boundless National Children's Playground]	110 Kb	06-Dec-2012
Consultation Report on Boundless National Children's Playground	[Consultation Report on Boundless National Children's Playground]	355 Kb	06-Dec-2012

Last Updated on Thursday, 06 December 2012 11:20

Comments

+4 # TC 2012-06-27 15:22

What a fantastic concept. As a public servant I will happily contribute to the building of Boundless Canberra.

# Oscar_Dog 2012-06-27 15:35

I think this looks great but parking is a concern, especially for busy times such as weekends. There is little parking in the area at the moment before you add the playground. Also with the defence buildings so close you need to ensure that people at Defence do not use it during the day but parents can use it during the week without time limits that restrict the way the area is used.
It would also be great to have BBQ facilities and tables for families etc.
I love that it is accessible.
Great to have some of the things included that are now missing from Canberra playgrounds like forts etc (like use to be at Weston Park)

# Gary Rake - Chief Executive, National Capital Authority 2012-06-27 15:42

Thanks for those thoughts. The board of the NCA also recognised that parking will be need to be carefully considered. We have started thinking about ways to add extra parks for cars (including oversize parks to meet current accessibility standards) and buses. We will look for sensitive means of increasing the number of parks available in the area without turning the area into an 'asphalt parkland' and without creating new traffic dangers for children.

# jowo1969 2012-06-27 16:06

Second parking issue, especially with children with limited mobility or 'absconders/runners' (I have one of these) as between two roads. Would like more information on ' natural boundaries'. Would like more information on how close various playground equipment is to roads - can't quite tell on plan. More information on surfacing - synthetic softfall is fine in theory but have been to a number of playgrounds in ACT (Woden is one eg) with this surface in summer and is unuseable, especially for children who have mobility issues and may be on the ground or crawling.
Would also like to know connection to 'inclusive' playground being created on Black Mountain Peninsula or is this a separate project? Are you also seeking advice from local SN schools, groups, Early Intervention (including regional SN groups in Queanbeyan).

# Gary Rake - Chief Executive, National Capital Authority 2012-06-27 16:16

Thanks. We'll pass the surfacing issues to the design team for careful consideration in the final design process. We agree with you - it needs to be comfortable and useful all year round. I'll ask one of the more informed people to come in to answer your question about 'natural boundaries'. I think this simply means 'barriers that work like fences but don't look like fences'...but I am sure someone else can express it better than that.

# Jodie 2012-06-27 17:51

It is fantastic to see the comments today about Boundless. As a member of the Boundless Working Group, we have been giving very careful consideration to the need to provide a safe play space, particulary given the proximity to the Lake and road. In consulting with parents, this has been one of the top issues raised to date. The design team are giving very careful consideration to how they can provide an enclosed play space, in a way that is complimentary to the overall design of the playground and the location that it sits within.

+3 # Robert Gotts 2012-06-27 16:12

I think that this is a brilliant idea. I love that it is about public servants doing something for Canberra, rather than the other way around. This initiative will fill a huge gap in the range of activities that is available for parents in Canberra and for visitors to Canberra, especially those with children, and I love that it will be such an inclusive facility. I'm looking forward to following its progress as it develops. What a great birthday present for our city.

# Tricia 2012-06-27 16:23

I wholeheartedly agree that it would be a great thing for public servants to have a practical and visible way to add to the health and wellbeing of Canberra residents and visitors. Great initiative for the Centenary.

+1 # Jazzop 2012-06-27 19:57

Parking will definitely be an issue, with adequate sized spaces to take a family sized car. A solution will also need to be found to stop Russell Offices employees parking there, particularly in school holidays. Perhaps two hour time zone Monday to Friday

Also clearly toilet amenities will be essential, with space for changing toddlers and babies. No doubt these will have to be cleaned regularly.

A separate space for under 3 years would be good as they normally get barreled over by the older kids.

Clearly I echo safety borders/fences.

Adequate, covered tables and chairs so picnics can be had. Also BBQs would be great to. Will there be provision for mobile catering to be available on the weekends for coffee's, ice creams etc?

+1 # Diane 2012-06-27 20:55

Fabulous idea to build the social capital of our community. It will be a greaat pleasure to bring our grandchildren to the boundless playground.

# Healthy Children 2012-06-28 13:45

This is an exciting opportunity to improve the health of Canberra’s children and families through play! Play is a crucial component of a child's development and the evidence shows that our kids are not moving enough for good health. Only 1 in 5 ACT children are sufficiently active for at least 60 minutes every day and meet the National Physical Activity Recommendations. A recent UK evidence review reminds us of the importance of outdoor play for increasing levels of physical activity, and shows that playing is crucial for developing fundamental movement skills (such as balancing, jumping, hopping etc.), which are the foundation of a healthy life.

We need these type of inclusive and stimulating places (with challenging features such as water play, spinning play and balancing, and a climbing wall) where children and adults can be active, socialise, and have fun. This playground will be a fantastic investment in the future health of children and families in Canberra.

# resident 2012-06-28 21:08

As a long term resident of Canberra, a public servant and a mother, I am excited by the idea of giving back to our community and contributing towards a legacy that will be available to our future generations. Our city has given so much to me and I look forward to the opportunity [as one of the government servants of Canberra] to help support this wonderful initiative. I think it is vital that we remember the children...they are our future.

# Evelyn 2012-06-29 22:28

I am a 13 year old and my mum told me about this playground. This playground sounds like a great idea! Can you make sure that there is something for teenagers as well so we have something to do?

# Jodie 2012-07-02 12:52

Absolutely Eveyln, we plan for there to be something for children and young people of all ages, even for mums and dads as well!

+1 # jcummings 2012-07-01 12:14

Great idea - a national asset in the making. We contributed to a 'sensory garden' at Pegasus with plants and volunteer labour. We are continually looking for new ways to engage the community in all things 'natural'. Greening Australia would be happy to provide native plants and interpretive material support, I am sure we could rustle up a few community members to help with garden establishment too!

# Jodie 2012-07-02 12:50

Thank's so much - that's a fabulous offer. I'll be in touch to discuss further.

+2 # Eleni 2012-07-02 14:21

What a wonderful opportunity to showcase Canberra, and what a wonderful place it is to live, work and raise a family. Great initiative, and I'm sure this will be well supported by all in Canberra.

+1 # Nhowson 2012-07-02 23:29

This is going to be a fantastic space for children and young people . Being an all abilities , all ages playground embodies the inclusive community we are. Boundless is a great Centenary of Canberra Project and everyone I have spoken to agrees with me.

+1 # Nicki Vance 2012-07-04 16:57

Fantastic idea and great location for a facility that should provide positive experiences and fun to many locals and visitors to Canberra regardless of ability. Will be a wonderful addition to a fabulous city. I look forward to playing there!

+1 # Donna H 2012-07-06 14:03

The Boundless Playground is a wonderful idea. Such a prominent position on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin will only emphasis to our community how much we value the importance of inclusivity and diversity within the nation's capital.

# bw 2012-07-17 08:19

this playground is going to be good. As a parent and a cultural planner it seems to me that the playground concept needs to be better 'nested' in its location. Analysis of the current use patterns of the site, and consideration of how the playground will change site usage need to be analysed. the parking issue has been raised by others. The overall operation of the kiosk, is another ie range of food options (Canberra produce?), its flexibility to provide emergency or accident support (hopefully not), travel advice to visitors etc all of which may be asked of staff who will be busy on weekends and in a remote location to other providers. The inclusion of artists early in the process will be important for collaboration - they are good at problem solving creatively and expressing the cultural, natural and historic values of the site, in the built elements. Ainslie shops is a great example. The fun element also needs to be really evident - after all its a play space!

# Carrie 2012-07-25 15:29

This is a great idea, however, like every other park in Canberra it will only be usable when the weather is good. I would like to see a covered play area in Canberra. Ballina has one and its fantastic in most weather conditions. Equipment doesn't get hot in summer, its protected from light rain and wind and most importantly, it protects the children from the sun. I see there will be shade but will it cover the equipment?

I love the idea and that it is an all abilities play ground though, well done!

# SublicPervant 2012-07-25 15:39

Excellent idea! As both a public servant and an adult who still enjoys jumping around on play equipment I would love to know how I could be more involved.

# wozzza 2012-07-25 22:12

I think the playground is a great idea! I can't wait to take my kids on a 'two bridges' ride/walk that includes coffee and some time on the playground.
Some factors that I would like to see considered:
- Adequate sunny areas in and around the playground so that it is usable on cold winter days where sunshine is needed for comfort.
- Capacity for the playground equipment and area to be used after rain. This means good drainage to avoid boggy areas and puddles, and good drainage for the play equipment itself. If there was some way of facilitating towels/squeegees to allow parents to wipe down slippery dips etc after a rain then this would also be great.
- Catering for all ages and abilities is important.
- This may not be feasible from a cost/environmental perspective, but some sort of safe water feature to delight toddlers and keep the kids cool in summer would also be nice.

# Jodie 2012-07-26 11:46

Thanks for your comments Wozzza. There will certainly be a mix of shade and sunny areas within the playground. Essentially, shade is being planned for spaces where children are likely to sit and pay for long times and where equipment might get hot. You'll be pleased to know that there is also an area for non-pooling water play, that will be able to be turned off in the colder months as well.

Most importantly the playground is being designed for all ages and all abilities. All children, regardless of their stage of development or abilities will be able play. It lwill be pretty good for parents and carers as well who want to get in and have a play.

# ChrisInTurner 2012-07-26 09:20

I see there are a number of concerns over parking, however there does not seem to be any access to Public Transport. How far is it to a bus stop?

# Mec2 2012-08-14 07:29

An all abilities playground is a fabulous centenary of Canberra idea, but let's make sure it suits all physical sizes too! Children with disabilities grow physically to become adults but may continue to function like, and have the same needs as, young children. They need the opportunity to play, climb, swing etc in spaces and on equipment that meets their physical as well as developmental needs. It is often very difficult to find ways of encouraging adults with disabilities to engage in physical activity, so this is an opportunity to showcase to the rest of Australia how this can be achieved. Many people with disabilities benefit greatly from activities such as swings no matter where their biological age.
Parents, grandparents, teachers and carers should be able to play with children too, not be relegated to 'observer' status but please remember to build in some resting spaces for older bodies which may not have the energy and stamina of the younger ones!

# Jodie 2012-08-14 14:01

Thanks for your comments Mec2. The points you raise are critical if we are to be succesful in providing an all abilities playground. All the equipement chosen has been considered with adults in mind, as well as children. This is to accomodate adults with disabilities, children with disabilities that need support from an adult carer and for adults who just want to play alongside thier children.

You'll be pleased to know that there are resting spaces which include seating, green spaces for sprawling on the grass and BBQ facilities with tables as well.

Jodie - Boundless Working Group

# Mec2 2012-08-14 07:39

A few words about bathroom facilities..... Please ensure that bathroom facilities are provided that enable people to support children or people with disabilities no matter what the gender of the person needing care/ support and the care giver, ie those facilities should be able to be accessed externally in the same way as facilities for men/women and should not be within the men's/women's facilities. A place to change or even shower older children or adults should be included too!
Lastly a plea to ensure that bathroom facilities are designed so that they are at a comfortable temperature (utilising environmentally sound design rather than specific heating or cooling) so that people are prepared to use them.