Sunshine Coast fenced playgrounds: Mum’s challenge to find space fit for special needs children

More than 300 Sunshine Coast council-funded parks are unfenced with parents of young children and those with special needs calling for better services, as an interactive map highlights playgrounds throughout the region.

Nelson Park, a fully-fenced playground at Alexandra Headland. Photo: Sunshine Coast Council

Sunshine Coast playgrounds lacking proper fencing have sparked concerns for parents with young children, particularly those with special needs, as council scrambles for funding.

Gympie parent Sarah Erickson has taken trips to the Sunshine Coast with her four-year-old daughter Aoife, who has level three autism, and her two-year-old son Mathia.

It quickly became a struggle to find playgrounds which suited her children’s needs.

Proper fencing has become a priority for the Erickson family, with young Aoife having a tendency to run away. Photo: Contributed

Full fencing is a requirement in playgrounds for Ms Erickson and her family, as Aoife has a tendency to run away without warning.

Ms Erickson said this became an increasing risk during school holidays, when big playgrounds with no fencing were packed with other children.

“I have found that there are quite a few playgrounds by the ocean which are beautiful but with a young kid, who is a very fast runner, it’s very dangerous as she heads straight for the water,” she said.

Sarah Erickson, her husband Joel and their two children Aoife and Mathias. Photo: Contributed

The lack of fencing deters her from visiting playgrounds, particularly if she has to look after both her children by herself without the security of a fence and locked gate.

She said some playgrounds had a fence along the road frontage but without a complete barrier with a gate, it provided little safety to her family.

Ms Erickson said the play equipment was amazing quality and her children loved to use it.

Community need for fencing

Ms Erickson is not alone — Abi Benaud and Zara Young lead the community page Little Sunny Coast reviewing recreational activities and areas fit for young families, and information on fenced playgrounds is one of their most common requests.

Beings mums to several little ones themselves, the pair actively seeks out fully-fenced playgrounds for peace of mind.

Zara Young and Abi Benaud, admins behind the Little Sunny Coast page. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“There’s definitely a growing demand for fenced spaces as they provide an extra layer of safety for parents,” Ms Benaud said.

“While many of the playgrounds on the Coast are fantastic, several are located near beaches, creeks, or busy roads, which can pose a significant risk to younger children.”

She noted only eight of 17 playgrounds featured on their page were fully fenced.

A Sunshine Coast Council spokeswoman said council managed 374 playgrounds, worth about $30m, among 1180 recreational parks and open spaces in the region.

Of the 374 playgrounds managed by council, only 26 were fully fenced, the spokeswoman said.

Ms Erickson labelled this a “disappointing number” considering the Sunshine Coast’s large population.

Not Sunshine Coast exclusive

The Erickson family moved from New South Wales in 2024, and the now-Gympie residing mum said the fencing situation was not particularly different to the Sunshine Coast.

She concluded it was likely an issue Australia-wide.

Funding for Sunshine Coast playgrounds

The council spokeswoman noted fencing and shade sails in playground projects were a significant cost to ratepayers after costs spiked “dramatically” in recent times.

“Increased costs to install and maintain fencing is a considerable hindrance to providing more fenced play spaces,” the spokeswoman said.

“We remain vigilant in seeking grant and other funding opportunities so we can install more fenced play spaces.”

Kevin Asmus Park at Buddina is an example where accessibility funding has been obtained to fully fence the playground, with stage two of the installation to start this month.

Ms Erickson said children’s safety was the most important thing, and parents of young or multiple children were sure to appreciate more accessible playgrounds.

Four-year-old Aoife and her younger brother Mathias enjoying the swing at a Queensland playground. Photo: Contributed

“Surely there is more the council can be doing,” she said.

“Even fencing smaller playgrounds would be a help to give special needs mums and dads some confidence to leave the house and head to a playground for a change.”

Accessibility and inclusivity

Council supports fencing around the Sunshine Coast’s recreational spaces to “promote inclusivity” to all community members, the spokeswoman said.

After collecting engagement and research in developing their Play Opportunities Plan, council identified a key need for full perimeter fencing.

The spokeswoman assured council plans to install more fencing as soon as more funding was secured.

Active Park, Caloundra West. Photo: Sunshine Coast Council

The council’s Sunshine Coast All Abilities Action Plan 2024-2028 outlines plans to improve inclusivity for all people living with a disability in the coming years.

This includes picnic facilities, kick-and-throw areas and toilets inside fenced areas, as documented in the Play Opportunities Plan, the spokeswoman said.

Council also installed communication boards in 10 parks across the Sunshine Coast with the help of Sunshine Coast Libraries, Sunshine Sign and Sing and the Queensland Government’s First Five Forever Literacy Program funding.

The boards offer a range of symbols and pictures for non-verbal and young children to point to, allowing for more communication opportunities.