Andrew Crescent Reserve Playground, NSW

Shoalhaven City Council wanted a compact but high-value playground that would offer a variety of play experiences within a considered landscape setting.

The project brief included:

• A custom playground with multiple play opportunities
• Inclusive and sensory play equipment
• Ropes, nets and climbing elements
• A small junior bike circuit
• A playspace positioned between existing trees
• A concrete path surround for access and bike play
• Rubber paths connecting equipment to the concrete path surround
• Landscaping works to improve comfort, access, drainage and visual appeal

The goal was to create a playspace that felt active, inclusive and easy to move through, while offering enough variety to support children across different ages, abilities and confidence levels.

Our Design Approach

Every project is unique, so our approach began with the site itself.

For Andrew Crescent Reserve, the playspace was carefully positioned between existing trees to make the most of the natural shade and help the playground feel integrated with the surrounding reserve. This created a more comfortable setting for children and carers, while allowing the new equipment and landscape elements to work with the existing environment.

A concrete path was designed around the play area to provide clear access and double as a junior bike circuit. Rubber paths were then used to connect the play equipment back to the concrete surround, creating a smooth and practical flow between the different play zones.

This connected layout allows children to move easily between climbing, swinging, balancing, sensory play and bike riding, giving the playground strong play value within a compact footprint.

Equipment Used

The Andrew Crescent Reserve playground includes a thoughtful mix of custom, active, inclusive and sensory play equipment.

Custom Tower

The custom tower is the hero feature of the playground. With a large tube slide and a range of climbing elements, it creates an exciting focal point for children who want challenge, height, movement and adventure.

The tower supports physical development by encouraging climbing, coordination, strength, confidence and problem-solving.

2 Bay Swing

The 2 bay swing includes a basket seat, strap seat and infant seat, providing options for children of different ages and abilities.

This mix allows toddlers, younger children and children who prefer a more supported swinging experience to enjoy the space alongside more confident users.

Balance Trail

The balance trail adds another layer of active play, encouraging children to test their coordination, balance and gross motor skills.

It also creates opportunities for imaginative games, social interaction and confidence-building.

Sensory Panels

Sensory panels were included to support tactile, interactive and exploratory play.

These elements are ideal for children who enjoy hands-on discovery, quieter play moments or social interaction through shared activities.

Spinning Stop/Go Sign

The spinning stop/go sign adds a playful road-safety element to the junior bike circuit.

It encourages imaginative riding games and gives younger bike riders a fun way to interact with the surrounding path.

Key Design Features

The Andrew Crescent Reserve playground was designed to provide a variety of play opportunities while remaining easy to access and supervise.

Key design features include:

• A concrete path surround for access and junior bike riding
• Rubber pathways connecting the equipment to the concrete path
• A custom tower with a large tube slide
• Rope, net and climbing elements
• Inclusive and sensory play pieces
• A 2 bay swing with basket, strap and infant seat
• A balance trail for coordination and movement
• A spinning stop/go sign for bike circuit play
• Natural tree shade for improved comfort
• Furniture to encourage longer stays
• Landscape finishes including turf, sandstone blocks, drainage and softfall surfacing

Landscaping and Site Works

In addition to the play equipment, the project included a range of landscaping and finishing works to create a complete, comfortable and practical community space.

Landscaping and site works included:

• Turfing
• Concrete paths
• Furniture
• Sandstone blocks
• Drainage
• Softfall mulch/bark
• Rubber softfall surfacing

These elements help the playground feel finished and welcoming. The combination of turf, sandstone, softfall, rubber pathways, seating and natural shade creates a balanced playspace that is both functional and visually appealing.