Gawler’s $190k Apex Park playground additions open as parents dispute inclusive claim

Parents in the state’s oldest country town have called out $190,000 in “inclusive” upgrades to a playground saying they aren’t good enough.

The Apex Park Inclusive playspace has officially opened in the heart of Gawler. Picture: Town of Gawler

Parents of children with disabilities are disputing claims additions to a playspace in the heart of Gawler are “inclusive”.

Apex Park Inclusive Playspace, a $190,000 joint venture by the federal, state and local governments, opened on Monday.

But mother-of-two Bri Maclean said she was “disappointed” the park was being marketed as inclusive.

“Without an all-encompassing fence that ensures the safety of children with sensory and emotional triggers – who can and often do run away from parents and caregivers into dangerous situations that they do not understand – this park is not inclusive at all,” Ms Maclean told The Advertiser.

Each new piece of equipment is designed that children of all ages and abilities will have something to enjoy. Picture: Town of Gawler

The Apex Park Inclusive playspace has officially opened in Gawler. Picture: Town of Gawler

“Also there should be more boardmaker signage – similar to what’s at Fremont Park – and clearly more consultation with the local disability community.”

Other parents spoke up on social media about the park’s cost and delivery.

Shikara Monteath wrote she was “horrified” the park cost close to $200,000 to complete and “didn’t think much” of the new additions.

Claire Baker said she was “appalled” at the costs and found the new space was “of no interest to children”.

The playground’s design derives from the three rivers that run through Gawler – the Gawler, Para and Light River, and reflects upon the importance of water to the area, both past and present.

The Apex Park Inclusive playspace has officially opened in Gawler. Picture: Town of Gawler

The “billabongs” are built alongside a fenced playground and natural spaces. Picture: Town of Gawler

The space includes communication board with braille and symbols to promote connection between different ability levels. Picture: Town of Gawler

The Apex Park Inclusive playspace has officially opened in Gawler. Picture: Town of Gawler

The new accessible walkway represents the Para River, connecting the existing two main entrances at the Julian Tce location to four new inclusive play zones.

Each zone is inspired by billabongs and targets several types of play to promote inclusivity for play at any age or ability.

Gawler Mayor Karen Redman said the council acknowledged the criticism regarding the “inclusiveness of the playspace” but stood by the description.

“From the advice and experience from key stakeholders and our due diligence in this process, we believe we produced an inclusive playspace,” Ms Redman said.

She said children, parents, carers, school teachers and disability support specialists were consulted.

“Staff completed a detailed research and analysis which includes a review of government strategies for inclusive and accessible playspaces, and assessment of Council’s strategic documents,” she said.

Ms Redman said the council also conducted a workshop and invited 15 professionals with “extensive experience and knowledge” in designing inclusive spaces in South Australia.