Natural playground
12 September 2011
Natural playground
This parkland is a testament to construction excellence and eco-friendly design
Western Sydney Regional Park covers an area of around 630 hectares and is located on the western outskirts of Sydney. Originally established in 2000, it is now enjoying a refurbishment as part of the Western Sydney Parklands Trust.
The amazing stage-one refurbishment, showcased here, was designed by Macgregor Coxall landscape architects and constructed by CPE Landscaping Pty Ltd. Cameron Polsen, director of CPE, says the brief for this expansive landscape was to create a fun and exciting parkland area to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
The key features include the natural-looking creek, which is traversed by bridges of hardwood and concrete; the stylish barbecue areas; the hundreds of massive boulders which provide bushland-style access between levels and play equipment; and the large sand pit.
The sandstone boulders piled around the play areas, each built to Australian Standards, emulate the Australian bush perfectly. Children can happily and safely play amid the natural materials — hardwood timber climbing stumps, deep clean sand and huge sandstone boulders. There is also a big climbing wall and a long stainless-steel slippery dip where, again, sandstone boulders provide access. There are flying foxes, too, and the massive sand pit is filled with enticing hardwood climbing structures and fixtures to give children the excitement of “natural exploring”.
More than 12,000 eucalyptus trees, including Eucalyptus amplifolia and Eucalyptus tereticornis, were planted throughout the stage-one site along with more than 70,000 native grass plants. These species are water-wise choices and only need a temporary irrigation system to provide moisture until they are fully established.
The parkland was designed and built under the ethos of environmental awareness and utilised much recycled or reclaimed materials — such as mulch, soils, concrete and the hardwood timbers.
Thousands of visitors arrive at this parkland each week so sturdy paths were needed. In situ concrete pathways meander around the entire site and are interlinked by large, pre-cast concrete steppers which allow easy access up slopes and to the amenities.
CPE Landscaping Pty Ltd has bases in Bendigo, Victoria and in Camden, New South Wales, and offers a broad range of quality professional services for the landscaping industry. The company specialises in hard and soft landscaping works, earthworks, soil preparations, paving and re-vegetation services to name but a few. Particular emphasis is on commercial, industrial and large-scale landscapes.
Project details
Landscape construction by CPE Landscaping Pty Ltd NSW office Phone (02) 4654 5100 Victorian office Phone (03) 5443 7517 Mobile 0412 955 913 (Cameron Polsen) Email cpelandscaping@bigpond.com Website www.cpelandscaping.com.au Photography by Diane Norris
This article is published by Outdoor Design Source, Australia's most comprehensive external works directory of products and services. Featuring suppliers for landscaping, playground equipment, shade structures and outdoor lighting in all its applications to erosion control, drainage, street & outdoor furniture, retaining walls, wholesale nurseries and so much more. Outdoor Design Source is the essential reference for all specifiers in the landscape, civil and amenities industry.
