A PLAY RENAISSANCE

Breathing new life into existing infrastructure, this refurbishment project has reignited the community.

Located in the suburb of Point Cook in Victoria, this neighbourhood park was in sore need of a major overhaul. Calling on the expertise of playspace specialist Omnitech Playgrounds, Wyndham City Council requested the company refurbish the existing park facilities and reimagine the park’s predefined features.

Confidently taking on the task, the team at Omnitech worked from concept to completion to provide Point Cook with a revitalised playspace that would better serve the community. The objective of the project was to modernise the site and better cater to the high volume of users the park now receives. Increasing the usability of the space and extending the lifespan of the play units through the use of more sustainable and durable materials was another key goal.

Omnitech started the project by stripping back the existing play structure to its bare frame and repainting it, giving it a new lease of life with a vibrant finish. New decking and bearers were also added to reinforce and strengthen the existing structure, ensuring the safety of all users, before additional slides, ropes, rockwalls, guardrails and panels were added.

The sensory panels and rockwall were created with HDPE sheets designed and manufactured by Omnitech inhouse. Adding extended play value to the park, the sensory panels offer tactile play that is suitable for all ages and abilities, while the climbing wall is a physical challenge for many that aids in coordination and agility.

A series of swings, springers and spinners were also added to the playscape, contributing play opportunities that assist in the development of spatial awareness, balance, rhythm and muscle control — and just because they are fun!

In ensuring the safety of the park’s little adventurers, Omnitech installed rubber softfall beneath and around the main play structures. The rest of the play zone was filled in with mulch and sand to create a suitable surface for safe play. New concrete paths around the perimeter of the playspace make it easy for everyone to access the equipment and provide a sturdy route for scooting or riding endeavours.

The modern and vivid colour palette chosen for the revived playground took its cues from the surrounding environment. Located in a natural wetland, the park reflects a wide range of hues in blue from the water and greens from the plantlife. Earthy accents were added with the inclusion of composite timber pickets made from recycled plastic, which break up the balustrading along the activity walkway leading to the slide and help the structure sit comfortably within its natural leafy surrounds.

While the entire frame and shelter roofs of the main structure were painted a deep ocean blue, the balustrading was removed, hot-dip galvanised and re-powdercoated to increase corrosion resistance. The decking was also removed and replaced with recycled plastic boards to add extra grip and durability, making it safer for wheelchair users and eliminating the need for ongoing maintenance.

Edged by wide swathes of turf and dotted with clusters of greenery from mature trees to native grasses, this revitalised local park is enjoying a renaissance as a new community hub, thanks to the conservation efforts of Omnitech.

PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client Wyndham City Council
Location Point Cook, Victoria
Design, Manufacture & Install Omnitech Playgrounds