Cairns Stockland shopping centre to build new playground and quiet room ahead of Christmas
A Cairns shopping centre is starting construction on a new inclusive playground which has been inspired by the Far North’s tropical rainforests, meandering rivers and coastal reefs.
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A CAIRNS shopping centre will start construction on its new inclusive playground and quiet room, both set to open ahead of the holiday rush.
Stockland Cairns is building a new playground in collaboration with Urban Play and Variety – the Children’s Charity allowing children of all abilities to play together, including those with physical disabilities, vision, hearing and mobility impairments, or spectrum disorders such as autism.
Malcolm Miller, centre manager at Stockland Cairns, said it was critical to remove the barriers experienced by Australians living with disabilities so they could have the same access and opportunities that others enjoyed.
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“We hope this new playground will become a favourite destination for our littlest customers and the community more widely, where all children feel comfortable letting their imaginations run wild and just enjoy playing,” he said.
“The quiet room is designed to offer a safe place for parents, carers and children with autism spectrum disorder, providing a calm, low-sensory environment which can be used as a retreat away from a busy shopping centre.”
Urban Play director Ben Urban said designers didn’t have to go too far for a theme.
“The playground was inspired by the tropical rainforests, meandering rivers and coastal reefs that encircle Cairns,” he said.
“The hand-carved play sculptures are comprised of responsibly sourced wood, bringing the rainforest inside.”
The design features reefs, rocks and rainforests – as well as a big dugong and stingray – to encourage children to interact, role play and play.
Kim Becherand, inclusive play manager at Variety – the Children’s Charity, said that at Variety they believed that all kids deserved the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of playing together.
“Working with the project team we have created a bespoke, truly inclusive play space that will engage all children and their families and carers in play,” she said.
The new playground will be located at Centre Court, with the quiet room adjacent.
A COVID-safe plan will be in place.
Originally published as Cairns Stockland shopping centre to build new playground and quiet room ahead of Christmas