Major upgrade to popular playground

Work has started on a major upgrade to a popular all-abilities playground in the City of Moreton Bay.

Improvements will be made to Leslie Patrick Park, Arana Hills, over the next eight weeks, weather permitting, in a win for those with low or no vision and other sensory needs.

It follows consultation with experts including speech pathologists, occupational therapists, access consultants and park users with lived experience.

There was also a community engagement day with children and parent volunteers from Vision Australia.

Work started this month on an additional play space, which will include a braille trail; pavement art; beehive cubby; sensory hangout; vibration post; overhead optic sensory panels; and a picnic shelter.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the new play space would connect with the existing award-winning playground which opened in late 2019.

“We have acted on community feedback to incorporate elements that make it easier for those with low or no vision to navigate and enjoy the play space, while providing communication and education opportunities and including sensory play elements and quiet spaces,” he said.

“Providing accessible and inclusive parks and recreation spaces is a priority for City of Moreton Bay."

“We’re proud to be taking our flagship all abilities playground, the first of its kind in South-East Queensland, to the next level.

“I want to thank everyone involved in the consultation process, including Vision Australia and our volunteer parents and children.”

Councillor Matt Constance (Div 10), an advocate for the $500,000 upgrade, said he was proud to deliver it as a Local Community Infrastructure (LCI) project.

“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 said.

“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.”