5 Great All Abilities Playgrounds in Melbourne

5 Great All Abilities Playgrounds in Melbourne

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Posted 2014-01-01 by Jeni Wilsonfollow


When I first came across the wheelchair swing at the Eltham North playground, I thought it was a fabulous idea but it is locked and getting the key required some preparation. I understand the need to keep it secure but it makes it more difficult for families with disabled children to have some spontaneous fun. More of that later. Anyway, it got me wondering which other parks catered for disabled children.

It seems that a lot of parks claim to cater for disabled children, but this often means they have wheelchair access or no steps or an allocated car park. Some parks provide suitable toilets. Play equipment designed specifically for kids with disabilities is less common.

Now I have a few questions. My first two are: Why should only some children have all the fun? Why should some kids miss out?

I have listed some playgrounds that go the extra mile for kids with disabilities.

Hays Paddock , Longstaff St, Kew East



This is often rated as one of the best playgrounds in Melbourne and it's great for disabled and able-bodied kids. It is a large fenced in area adjacent to a wetlands and area for dogs and unstructured play. It has lots of different areas for different types of play. It includes the typical play equipment such as slides, seesaws and swings, and rope-climbing frame, large hammocks, a sandpit and flying fox. Obviously some are more suitable for older, confident and more able kids.

Most landing zones are soft and springy but they are not 'tear proof'. Unfortunately the toilets are outside the playground area.

Eltham North Adventure Playground

[IMAGE="http://www.weekendnotes.com/im/000/03/playgrounds-play-equipment-liberty-swing-disabled-5.jpg" width="400" link="http://www.weekendnotes.com/im/000/03/playgrounds-play-equipment-liberty-swing-disabled-5.jpg" align="CENTER" thumb="http://www.weekendnotes.com/im/000/03/playgrounds-play-equipment-liberty-swing-disabled-51.jpg" border="1" caption="Source: Gen Wilson / WeekendNotes Melbourne
www.weekendnotes.com/eltham-adventure-playground" wrap="0" title="playgrounds, play, equipment, Liberty swing, disabled, wheeelchairy" margin="5"]

This is a beautiful location with concrete walking tracks/bike tracks but much of the rest of the playground (a community built Woolshed is characterised but its different levels and steps leading to hiding spaces, slides and swinging planks. Much of the appeal is in the fireman's pole, monkey bars, climbing wall and balance beam, which would be unsuitable for disabled children.



As mentioned earlier this playground has a Liberty Swing but it is fenced and locked. The key needs to be booked prior and costs $10.00. There are several places where this can be picked up like the local school and council offices but they are not open on the weekends. The intention is good but not the practicalities.

Sorry, but since when did other kids have to pay for a swing? Why do those who generally have more expenses have to pay? Often because of the nature of care required, they can also have less disposable income?

Wombat Bend , Duncan St Templestowe



This is one of my favourite playgrounds. It is fully fenced with toilets inside the fences and suitable for all abilities and ages. This is a sensory activity playground with maze swings (for able bodied and disabled). Outside a flat well-frequented walking/bike track is available,

There are often queues for the 2 flying foxes and carousel. I really like the equipment that makes noises when stepped on or played with. These are at children's heights and on the path. There is a large sand pit and maze. It's a great fun with BBQ areas, shade and lawn for a picnic.

Albert Park (3 kms from Melbourne CBD)



Albert Park has a number of the major picnic areas: Swan, Aquatic Drive, Coot Drive, Cormorant Picnic Area. There is also an amphitheatre and a community playground. The Parks has a number of accessible areas with ramps and flat walking trails. They also offer opportunities for inclusive play but the highlight is the unique opportunity to try out sailing through the Sailability program. Although this was not originally designed for disabled people, the design of the boats allows all children to participate and it is a popular activity.

Birrarung Marr playground
Unfortunately, thoughtless vandals destroyed the special Liberty swing for wheelchairs at the Birrarung Marr playground (near Federation square and Arts Play). Lord Mayor Robert Doyle promised to replace it. Maybe he could be lobbied to provide more accessible equipment here and elsewhere.



Perhaps you know of other great parks and facilities for disabled children and their families to have great outdoor fun. Please add to this list by posting a comment.

#disabled_access
#disabled_friendly
#free
#fun_for_children
#parks
#lists
%wnmelbourne
134612 - 2023-06-13 10:49:41

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