ECCO RIPLEY

Residents and visitors across south-east Queensland will have the opportunity to experience the crème de la crème of playground innovation with the recent unveiling of a new adventure park in Ripley Valley. Located within Ipswich’s newest master-planned development, Ecco Ripley, the new playground promises to set the bar for future parks in the area.

The centerpiece of this multi-level playspace is a world-first Corocord climbing loop. This visually stunning rope installation features a multitude of play activities which encourage motor skill development, social interaction, and problem solving. Rope ladders, suspended EDPM rubber disks, and membrane bridges offer staged climbing challenges, while a hanging basket provides a passive rest space.

Children of all ages can enjoy free-flowing play with sand diggers, seesaws and swings on the lower level, while more adventurous users can scale the custom climbing mound via mountaineering ropes or rock-climbing cleats, and choose from three embankment slides to bring them back to earth. The playground also features one of KOMPAN’s signature pieces – a Bloqx 3D rock-climbing structure.

Ben Urban, director of playground supplier Urban Play, has commended Sekisui House on their willingness to think outside the box when it came to Ecco Ripley. “The goal was to create a unique, memorable destination play space that encourages social interaction and healthy living for all ages. The park is a space for both individual and group, young and old to enjoy”                  

Once fully developed, Ecco Ripley will be Australia’s largest planned community -home to over 120,000 people. Managing Director, Toru Abe thought it only fitting to design an equally ambitious adventure playground. “Providing a well-designed playground to feature in Brooking Parklands, Ripley was a key priority which Urban Play delivered. The clever design of the playground will give children and adults alike the best in outdoor experiences, and I have no doubt it will become a popular feature within the park,”

Property development group Sekisui House and landscape architects, Hassell developed the new playground, with all play equipment designed and installed by Urban Play.

By partnering with quality play equipment brands such as Corocord and Kompan, Urban Play continues to break the mould for neighborhood playgrounds. One of their biggest projects to date that is in the pipeline is the reinvented Southbank Parklands, South Brisbane which is sure to redefine Brisbane City.