A new braille trail, vibration post and optic sensory panels are among upgrades being installed in an all-abilities playground at Arana Hills, Brisbane.
The Leslie Patrick Park is Moreton Bay council’s flagship all-abilities playground.
The upgrades are for children and adults with low or no vision or other sensory needs, it says.
The $500,000 upgrades are a result of consultation with experts including speech pathologists, occupational therapists, access consultants, and park users with lived experience, council says.
BRAILLE TRAIL FEATURE
Work has started on an extra play space which will include a braille trail; pavement art; beehive cubby; sensory hangout; vibration post; overhead optic sensory panels; and a picnic shelter.
Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery says the new play space will connect to the existing playground which opened in late 2019.
“I’m delighted to see work start on this upgrade which will enhance the hugely popular Leslie Patrick Park playground, making it accessible to even more youngsters and their families,” he says.
He says the upgrades are the result of public feedback to make it easier for those with low or no vision to navigate the play space with sensory play elements and quiet spaces.
“Providing accessible and inclusive parks and recreation spaces is a priority for the city,” he says.
Flannery says the all-abilities playground is the first of its kind in South-East Queensland.
COUNCILLOR’S DELIGHT
Councillor Matt Constance, who has been a keen advocate for the upgrade, says he is proud to have delivered it.
“I can’t wait to see children and adults of all abilities enjoying this new play space, including those who provided valuable feedback which we have incorporated in the design,” he says.
“They are the reason we are doing this work and I am grateful for their input.
“We will try to keep disruption to users of the existing playground to a minimum during construction but ask residents and visitors for patience and understanding. This upgrade will be worth it.”
Construction is expected to take about eight weeks, council says.
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