New playground with a difference unveiled at Mary Cairncross
As well as exploring numerous trails through 55 hectares of lush natural rainforest and identifying hundreds of friendly wildlife species, there’s going to be even more to entertain and inspire children at our beloved Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, with the unveiling of a unique new playground.
As well as exploring numerous trails through 55 hectares of lush natural rainforest and identifying hundreds of friendly wildlife species, there’s going to be even more to entertain and inspire children at our beloved Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, with the unveiling of a unique new playground.
Environment Portfolio holder and Division 5 Councillor Jenny McKay said the newly created facility was far from any old playground, with many innovative and interactive elements.
“As well as all the traditional favourites – a double A frame swing set, spring toy and spinning cup – the fantastic new playground features a fabulous tree house with galvanised stirrups, a worm slide, vine net and tree climb pole along with a suspension bridge, boulder scramble and much more,” Cr McKay said.
“All the play elements, along with the materials used, have a flora and fauna theme, and look perfectly in place where they are nestled in this much loved nature and visitor haven.”
Cr McKay said she was always looking for opportunities to encourage and enable people of all ages and abilities to experience and enjoy the wonderful natural environment, so she was pleased the playground included many special features to make it more accessible to everybody.
“In line with Sunshine Coast Council’s focus on becoming a sustainable environment, when designing the playground we incorporated a variety of elements to ensure it would provide accessibility, interaction and enjoyment to people of most abilities,” she said.
Special features and opportunities include:
- Takura wood chip mulch and rubber softfall, suitable for prams with large wheels and 90% of wheelchairs;
- the lower platform of the tree house designed to be only 400mm from the ground allowing easy access for all to the enjoy the creative activity panel;
- a rustic climbing fence providing both tactile and visual interest;
- a number of other tactile elements to provide a sensory experience for the visually impaired such as the carvings on the poles, leaves designed for climbing foot holds, boulders, and planting.
“But this is really one playground you need to see to fully appreciate all the special elements, so why not plan a visit to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve very soon,” Cr McKay said.
“After all, the reserve is open 365 days a year (including public holidays) for exploration and enjoyment, thanks to our wonderful volunteers.”