Leslie Patrick park named best place to play

Moreton Bay is officially home to one of the best places for children to play in Queensland.

Parks and Leisure Australia has named the Hills District All Abilities Playground at Arana Hills as the best playspace in Queensland over $500,000 at the state awards of excellence.

Leslie Patrick Park’s one-of-a-kind playground is now in the running for the national awards next month.

Major drawcard

Mayor Peter Flannery says the All Abilities Playground makes a big difference to people living with a disability and is a major drawcard for Moreton Bay.

“Since the playground’s opening last December, we’ve received an amazing response from the community, so to be recognised as best-practice across the state is the cherry on top,” he says.

“No detail was overlooked in this purpose-built park, so this award is a credit to the dedication of our Council staff in understanding the communities’ needs and delivering an exceptional public space for locals and visitors.

Focus on accessibility

“This recognition proves Moreton Bay is well on our way to becoming the most accessible destination in south east Queensland, from beach matting at Bribie Island to wide boardwalks and pathways like the Caboolture-Wamuran rail trail path — to say I’m proud of our achievements is an understatement.”

Dickson Federal MP Peter Dutton gave a $200,000 commitment to the project, while the Golden Valley Keperra Lions Club, together with an Australian Lions Foundation grant, contributed $30,000 to make the project possible.

Parks and Leisure Australia Queensland (PLAQ) executive officer Adam Cheyne says he is excited the All Abilities playground is this year’s Queensland Awards of Excellence winner.

Setting a new benchmark

“This industry-leading project provides a new benchmark for local governments and developers across Queensland looking to innovate and enhance inclusive and accessible play spaces,” Adam says.

“The playground exhibits landscape and design innovation that not only delights but importantly aids childhood development for all abilities.”

Uniting community

Councillor Matt Constance (Div 10) is thrilled to see the All Abilities Playground recognised.

“This space is more than just a playground, it’s a place to unite our community and create healthier and happier neighbourhoods where people of all ages and abilities can gather and play,” he says.

“This playground is a complete reimagining of what can be delivered as a play space for children of all physical and intellectual abilities; catering for those with autism, sensory processing disorders, visual impairment, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy and many more.”

The park is the first of its kind in south east Queensland, with 16 different types of inclusive equipment across five zones, including accessible swings and slides, a special picnic zone and a sensory garden.

The annual Awards of Excellence recognise and celebrate outstanding initiatives and innovative efforts of 'the people behind the places' which promote good use of leisure time for social, environmental and economic benefits to the community.

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