A new all-abilities playground with custom-made play towers has been installed by Moreton Bay Regional Council at the Caboolture Regional Environmental Education Centre (CREEC), bringing fun at the facility to new heights.
The $220,000 specially-designed council-funded playground features three towers with slides, track rides and climbing nets; a wheelchair accessible play area; play hut; and sensory walls, all to encourage inclusive and engaging play.
Division 12 Councillor Adrian Raedel invited families from across Moreton Bay and South-East Queensland to try the 280m2 new tower set, as well as CREEC’s other inclusive facilities like the sensory garden and wheelchair-friendly zip-line.
“We really want CREEC to be a space that is accessible to everybody. This new extension has been specifically-designed to encourage social interaction, inclusivity and most importantly fun between users regardless of their ability,” Cr Raedel said.
“It’s roomier, meaning children and their parents or carers can play at the same time; it’s a got a huge ramped play area so people in wheelchairs can get involved; and it’s right in the middle of CREEC’s play area and gardens.
Also included is a bespoke play hut with a number of engaging sensory walls designed to stimulate a sense of exploration and learning.
“For children with ASD, it’s an ideal and comfortable space for them to interact with other children in a way that isn’t too overwhelming.
“As a council we’ve taken a number of steps to create accessible facilities, especially with the development of our new Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, and this project at CREEC is another example of council creating more inclusive infrastructure.”
Urban Play Managing Director Ben Urban said:
“It’s great to see councils placing emphasis on inclusive playgrounds that are bursting with activities to encourage physical, social and cognitive development.
“These specially-designed multi-level towers inspire countless hours of play and laughter with the opportunity for parents and carers to get involved. This playground provides opportunities to enhance child development and early learning and will be well used by the Caboolture community for many years to come.”
CREEC is located at 150 Rowley Road, Burpengary. The new playground and other outdoor elements are open seven days a week, and the centre is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4.30pm.