PolySoft surfaces aid children with disabilities in new Canberra playground

Offering forts and treehouses, rockers and swings, bridges and sandpits, the new Boundless all access children’s playground in Canberra’s Kings Park provides an exciting series of equipment and sensory areas linked by ramps and the colours of PolySoft.

Ramps within the playground allow disabled children in wheelchairs to go anywhere that their able-bodied siblings and friends can go; with colours signifying fun in nature – and safety.

Landscape architect Neil Hobbs had been keen to use PolySoft playground surfacing in a children’s park for some time, stating “it’s purported to have solved the problems of other soft-fall products.”

In this setting PolySoft was the perfect fit, meeting objectives for Boundless Canberra to be an all-abilities environment, where children of all abilities can play together and spend time outdoors with their families.

Within the design, surfaces needed to be seamless, for both wheelchairs and unsteady walkers, with PolySoft provided the right combination of firm and gentle support.

Hobbs adds “because the playground is designed for wheelchair use, the surface couldn’t be too springy or it would be hard to move a wheelchair over it, and you want the whole surface to be consistent, flawless, with seamless colour joins – PolySoft has certainly delivered there.

“We also used it in water play areas, where it drains quickly and effectively.

“I’m very happy with it so far.”

The playground’s 800 metres2 of PolySoft was laid in July this year, prior to the playground’s opening in October.

Now fully operational, Hobbs says he’ll be closely observing the heat and faderesistant

properties of the play surface throughout the current summer.

PolySoft tendered for the playground, which was envisaged by the ACT Government as a gift to the city’s children, and took the opportunity to assist by donating a portion of the materials to be used.

PolySoft General Manager Kellie Steiner explains “we also wanted to contribute something more than the safety and durability of PolySoft to this fabulous project.

“The process of mixing colours to represent the natural landscapes around Canberra was an enjoyable challenge and the result is truly beautiful.”

PolySoft not only provides a safe landing for children running, jumping and hanging out on climbing equipment, it’s slip resistant when wet, hygienic for bare feet, non-toxic and easy to clean and maintain.

Australian developed and produced, PolySoft has an industry-leading international reputation and has been installed in high-profile children’s precincts from Singapore to Manhattan.

The surface is 100% recyclable and derives 40% of its materials from natural resources.

For more information about PolySoft surfacing call:

In Australia - 1300 308 037/02 9499 9129
In North America - 1 855 705 6868

For more information go to www.polysoftsurfaces.com 

12th August 2014 - POLYSOFT SUCCESS IN THE BIG APPLE