By Jessica Anstice
A giant dragon’s head, climbable body and dragon’s eggs will form the centrepiece of an all-abilities playground to be built in Officer.
Covering almost a hectare of Arcadia Estate, the $2.3 million park expected to be complete by the start of 2021, will take children’s “imaginative adventures to a whole new level”.
Satterley Victoria general manager Jack Hoffmann said the project is exciting for local residents because it’s so distinctive.
“The dragon’s head will face Flanagan Avenue to ensure it is highly visible from the surrounding streetscapes,” he said.
“This will be a very unique play space – something that hasn’t been done before.”
Designed by Agency of Sculpture the dragon’s head will be a major feature, towering above the playground and the park delivered by Outlines Landscape Architecture.
Each element will be built to provide challenges for children of different ages and abilities with accessibility and inclusion in mind.
A spokesperson from Outlines said this will be a vital part of the design.
“Many families have children of various ages. It is important that there is something to occupy all kids. As the children grow up they can explore different parts of the playground that may have seemed scary or hard when they were younger,” the spokesperson said.
“Providing a variety of different types of play items is important to cater for different interests and ability ranges. That includes sound, touch and texture, swinging, motion carousels, puzzles and interactive items.
“It is important to have a park where everyone feels included and part of the community.”
Construction on the new park is expected to commence mid 2020.
