A NATURAL WAY TO PLAY

Utilising larch timbers grown in the German Alps, this nature-based playscape truly softens the urban landscape.

Situated under the elevated train station of Moreland in Coburg, Victoria, this newly constructed public space includes a playspace utilising Richter Speilgerӓte play structures.

Part of the large-scale Level Crossing Removal Project happening across Victoria, this park was created to deliver a public play zone with a natural landscape that delivers high-value play utilising a variety of different surfaces. With Richter Speilgerӓte play equipment supplied and installed by Marcus Constructions, the new space more than meets the brief and is one step closer to helping the Government achieve its targets for providing public spaces to Victoria.

A multiuse playscape, Moreland Station park features a sturdy play structures crafted from hand-processed irregular round logs of larch, grown in the German Alps, and Robinia wood. The expressive character of the materials strongly emphasises the nature-orientated design and provides a variety of play challenges to children of all ages, without taking up a lot of ground space. One tower supports a slide that offers plenty of fun as users whoosh down to the ground, while the second tower, connected by a bridge, supports a swing structure and seating area for additional play.

Also on the playground site is a fantastical castle that looks just like a fortified tower. A gathering point for children of all ages, it is crowned by a battlement that gives it a fanciful air and has a flag that waves gaily from its top. A ladder encourages kids to climb up to its two-metre-high crest, before taking flight in an enclosed tube slide that carries them to the ground. For those looking for a moment of quiet, a bench placed in the lower area runs along the rounded edge to create an inviting place to sit. Unique and striking in appearance, the castle is an eye-catching sight in the playscape that calls to the kids in the neighbourhood.

A nest swing cantilevered at the end of a large wooden frame sits alongside these structures, together with a low-level timber and rope-climbing course, all set in individual islands of softfall mulch.

Surrounded by landscaped beds containing ornamental grasses and trees, meandering paths that are easily navigable, and decorative elements of rocks and logs, the park space is a natural wonderland of relaxation and play. Timber seating and picnic tables add additional amenity to the space and make users more comfortable. A large open greenspace also stands ready to support running around and ball games.

Suitable for a number of children to make use of at any given time, Coburg’s newest playspace is a welcome addition to the area and a clever use of underutilised space beneath the transport hub.

PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client Victorian Government
Location Coburg, Victoria
Primary Contractor Symal
Head Contractor John Holland
Play Equipment Richter Spielgeräte
Install Marcus Constructions