A new playground has recently been opened in Australia’s National Arboretum in Canberra. A design project of the well known practice of Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL), the concept of the space way extends that of a simple playground. It was inspired by the forests of rare and endangered trees from around the world, it is a place of adventure and education.
A wonderland of climbing and discovery as a series of ladders, rope tunnels and slides invite children of all ages to enter a world of acorns and seed pods where a sensory experience awaits them through thunder sound panels, a rain and hail tube and wind chimes. Facsimiles of seed pods in an exaggerated scale reference the beginning of life in the forest and create an imaginative environment. A fish net and bird’s eye nest swing allow a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape and the sand pit where toddlers can make sounds on primitive musical instruments sits beside Banksias seed pods.
The playground has been designed to the highest safety standards and was constructed of steel and timber. It represents a place of communication with nature, social development and will function as an invaluable educational medium. Here, children can gain an awareness of the beauty of trees and the valuable role they play within the ecosystem of our planet.
