It❜s Official! This Is The Best Playground in NSW

By: Phoebe Ackland, 27 October 2016

By: Phoebe Ackland, ellaslist

The results are in: Lizard Log Park & Playground in the Western Sydney Parklands is the BEST playground in NSW and the ACT!
The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects awarded the designers of Lizard Log- McGregor Coxall and the Western Sydney Parklands Trust with the exciting title, and a free trip to Finland, home of the world’s leading playground manufacturer ‘Lappset’.

Designed Around Nature

It is referred to by locals as “Nature’s Wonderland” and is made, as far as possible, from natural materials in a bushland setting. Features include a massive sandpit filled with log formations for climbing, rope walls, rock scramble entry to the slides, water spouts, sand digging, a triple flying fox, basket swings and more. In the park, there are miles of paths for walking and scootering, natural features like mountains, lookouts and dams and a bathroom with an interesting water plant feature. There are about 20 picnic shelters and plenty of both coal and electric BBQ’s for an all day family visit.

lizard log 2

Source: AILA

nature play

Source: AILA

All the timber used is recycled, and the central playground structure is made out of trees that died onsite. This park is now a benchmark of sorts for environmentally friendly playground design.

The Best Playground In Australia

The overall winner came from Melbourne- the “Nature Play” playground in the Royal Park. It can be found next to the Royal Children’s Hospital, and is said to encourage interaction between the patients and staff. It’s design is based around the seven seasons of the Wurundjeri with their permission, respecting local heritage. The board said of the winner: “Nature Play at Royal Park is designed to invite users to look deeper to witness the layers and seasonal change in the playspace. The jury applauds the approach, as it sets the standard for building appreciation, engagement and respect for the space at a city scale, and builds on the unique heritage of Royal Park, building knowledge and ensuring that future generations become active stewards of the natural environment.”

melb park