Project Name: STONE RIDGE CENTRAL PARK

Stone Ridge Central Park, is the heart of soul of this neighbourhood and has regional visitor attraction. The design is explorative and challenging, naturally inviting for the birdlife, fauna and is family friendly. A stand of trees, some aged 150 years and a 'home tree' likely to be approaching 300 years have been integrated as iconic natural features. Capturing the shapes and shade of the trees and terrain, this park has woven itself into the environment and embodies natural play materials, whilst also providing a structured play environment including a traffic school meandering amongst the trees, a half basketball court, dog off lead park, picnic shelter and play space.

Specifically designed for equality and to be all inclusive, the pathways are all accessible and the formal play area incorporates accessible play equipment. The traffic school and basketball court can be enjoyed from a pram, wheelchair, on a scooter or trike. Shade, water and seating for carers for close supervision and participation for all visitors and ages. A long party table within the picnic shelter invites a community spirit in sharing and conversation blending cultures, genders and neighbours.

The park has a specific toddler play area, teens are accommodated with a flying fox and basketball court. All ages in between can enjoy slides, swings, climbing, and a spinner and comprehensive path circuits. The family dog can even enjoy Australia’s best playground with a specific dog exercise area.

Central Park design embraced the 150 year old trees and secured their future and the wildlife that call the trees home. The children play and ride bikes and scooters amongst the songs of the lorikeets and variety of bird songs within Central Park. True ‘nature play’ and exposure to the environment in a meaningful and interactive. A strong link with nature provides the textures and visual interest to the play spaces for various age groups. The play equipment hugging the slopes and terrain, the flying fox, swings, slide and climbing dome providing the familiar park exploration but within the context of a natural tree canopy.

An innovative project incorporating education, timber recovery, children’s artwork and environmental design considerations. Sustainable construction and smart design is redefined with this project. Stone Ridge Central Park is the quiet achiever for the Australia’s Best Playground.