Keith Stephenson Park Playspace Upgrade
CONTEXT & PROJECT BACKGROUND
Keith Stephenson Park is the premier district reserve for the Council area. It hosts major events such as carols by candlelight and is a meeting place for families across the district. It is located on the Laratinga Trail, a shared use path that is the spine of the open space network and links as far as Newnham Estate and the Summit Sport and Recreation Park.
The playspace upgrade on Keith Stephenson Park (KSP) proposes to focus on inclusivity, with ‘something for everyone’ as one of the key principles behind the design. This includes integrating nature play experiences with more traditional constructed play equipment. Analysis undertaken by Council and early engagement with local parents of children with disabilities has shown that there is currently a gap in the district wide open space network for these user groups. The upgrade also aims to bring the level of the playground in line with the parks district status and contemporary thinking around playgrounds.
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
There was strong community participation during the engagement period from March to April 2022. The feedback from the community was collated, reported to, and acknowledged by Council Members. As a result of the community feedback, some significant amendments were made to the original concept and scope as follows:
- Inclusion of shade sails over the playground for sun protection
- Inclusion of water play in the nature play zone
- Inclusion of more seating around the play area
- Fencing around the children's play area
A community consultation snapshot report can be viewed: Community Consultation Snapshot
The final concept plan was endorsed by Council at the 1 August 2022 Council Meeting.
CONSTRUCTION
Construction on the new playspace is scheduled to begin in April 2023 with a completion date in Summer 2023/24. Works will include:
- Ordering play equipment and materials,
- Undergrounding of overhead powerlines,
- Decommission the existing playground, and
- Construction of the new playspace
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Please post your ideas or feedback here!
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
View All Ideasabout 2 years ago
This looks great, I would just like to see traditional swings with both toddler and older kids seats. seating close to equipment for adults.
about 2 years ago
Shade, swings, water play, musical instruments!
So much shade PLEASE! Swings, especially inclusive swings that will support children with low tone - our kids need repetitive high-feedback sensory activities, and baby swings are not supportive enough (or big enough when they grow older) nor is a basket swing for kids who can sit independently. Water play is incredibly inclusive - with all the wood features you have, one could easily become a sloped trough with dams like Marshmallow Park on Glen Osmond Road. Musical instruments/ aurally-based features would also be excellent and more inclusive - chimes, xylophones, drums… Was really hoping for broader accessible play/sensory opportunities than are featured, and these suggestions could address that.
about 2 years ago
Shade (lots of it) please and undercover areas for rainy days in winter. More seating for adults too.
about 2 years ago
The skate park needs more seating and shade for all. When we watch our 5 year old we have no where to sit besides the ground.
Skate park facilities
about 2 years ago
A more sprawling playspace
A more sprawling playspace interconnected with natural corridors such as stepping stones, bridges, or log steps. Having such a big beautiful canvas to work with, it would be crazy not to maximise the area so families can spread out and it allows for future social distancing requirements. As it stands the seating is minimal and not everyone is physically able to sit on grass or carry chairs. Have a look at Heywood Park at Unley for a sprawling set up, an amazing and aestheticly pleasing ninja course for the older kids, as well as all age areas. Another great example is the GT Fischer playspace at Victor Harbour as it has a fenced junior area and unfenced additional areas. Goolwa has amazing nature playground too, which has the bonus of seating with shade over the top that is alo solar power to charge your devices on the table. All great modern and useful ideas. Being the new big town we really need to make this playspace a statement piece for all local, state, and national visitors. Being so close to international tourist spot hahndorf, we need to lift our game.