SURF'S UP AT PAT FAGAN PARK

Situated at the southern end of the Gold Coast, Pat Fagan Park boasts views all the way to Surfers Paradise. A favourite with visitors and locals alike, this stunning park features coastal walks and a breathtaking lookout. Amenities within the park include picnic shelters with seating, tables and barbecues, as well as a thoughtfully designed playground by Willplay.

Built to accommodate all ages and abilities, the Pat Fagan Park playground rests on the foreshore of the beach, providing an incredible nature-based environment for its extensive range of play solutions. According to play experts Willplay, the design for the play zone sprang from the desire to achieve a fun and active play zone with a distinct coastal theme, reflecting its oceanside location.

Commissioned by Council to upgrade the park, Willplay sought to provide diverse play opportunities that could be enjoyed by the whole community and that would enhance the overall recreational value of the park. Given this stretch of the coastline offers two swimming locations, the presence of the Surf Life Saving community is a given. For this reason, Willplay leaned into the theme, making a replica of a Surf Life Saving tower the central element of the playscape.

The team from Willplay applied their extensive knowledge to design, manufacture and install a complete play solution. In addition to the beach-themed equipment, Willplay erected shade structures to protect users from the harsh Australian sun, as well as a synthetic turf softfall surface with rubber cushioning to ensure safety for kiddos and longevity for the playground.

Combining the large-scale climbing tower with swings, slides, interactive panels and rockers, Willplay has crafted a space dedicated to outdoor play that feeds the imagination and encourages healthy physical engagement. A vibrant colour scheme and dynamic forms capture the excitement of the coastal surrounds while stimulating the cognitive development of its users. Interactive elements like the shop and rescue buggy encourage imaginative play, while the various panels offer educational opportunities that are fun.

WillPlay's material selection for all its playgrounds demonstrates a commitment to durability, longevity and aesthetic integration within challenging environmental landscapes. Support posts are constructed from Australian-made custom-extrusion powdercoated aluminium, chosen for its superior corrosion resistance and structural integrity. Support frames and rails are similarly engineered to withstand the elements.

The play units themselves incorporate UV-stable HDPE for vibrant, long-lasting colour and resilience against sun exposure. Rope climbing elements utilise woven nylon galvanised core rope with aluminium and nylon rope fittings to ensure strength and safety. Roto-moulded plastic was employed to create durable and engaging forms, while springers and swings were designed with robust premium springs, seats and chains to endure heavy use. This precise specification of materials, from the ground up, ensures the playground's ability to withstand the harsh Australian coastal conditions and eliminated the need for specialised “coastal spec” upgrades.

With a goal of giving the community a dedicated space to enjoy outdoor activities and let the imagination run wild, Willplay has delivered on every front.

PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client City of Gold Coast
Location Coolangatta, Queensland
Playspace design and install Willplay