Denham Court: first look at inclusive playspace in $11 million sports precinct at Willowdale

A new playground designed for inclusivity in Denham Court’s $11 million sports precinct will include four zones of fun and incorporate sensory elements to appeal to children of all abilities.

An inclusive playground is being developed to cater for children of all ages and abilities as part of an $11 million sports precinct in the Willowdale community at Denham Court.

The playspace has been specially designed by developer Stockland in collaboration with Variety, the Children’s Charity, to foster interactions and the opportunity for everyone to play together.

The playground, Variety Livvi’s Place, will feature four zones of fun equipment that incorporate sensory elements to appeal to children of all abilities and ages: The Spinning + Swinging Zone, Mounds + Tunnels, The Hill and The Lawn.

Each zone will offer a different play experience and they will be connected by an accessible pathway.

Variety Livvi’s Place will include four zones of fun for children of all ages and abilities.

For those focused on sensory stimuli, the playspace will contain water features, quiet zones and sensory planting. Importantly, the playground has no set age limit – so adults can join in the fun.

Head of inclusive play at Variety, Kim Becherand, emphasised the importance of thoughtfully designed playgrounds like Variety Livvi’s Place in creating inclusive communities around the country.

“At Variety we believe that all children deserve a fair go and this includes the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of play,” she said.

“Working with the dedicated project team we have designed an incredible space where everyone is included, valued and feels they belong. Where everyone can play and most importantly, play together.”

Project director at Willowdale, Sophie Ale, said the playground would illustrate the company’s commitment to creating inclusive play environments for all children, regardless of age or ability.

The new play area at Willowdale's new $11 million sport precinct has plenty of activities for kids.

“We are proud to be investing in another significant playspace at Willowdale, which will truly cater to our diverse and growing community,” she said.

The Willowdale Community already has five parks with play areas, including beloved kids activities like a flying fox, and the Stockland website promises more to come.

Ms Ale said the new playground was “early anticipated” by current residents, along with the $11 million sports precinct which is expected to break ground by the end of the year.

Stockland estimates the precinct will be completed by the end of next year for all residents to enjoy.

Construction is expected to start at the end of this year and take about 12 months.