Why is it so hard to design a decent park?

[shonias]

Recently I took the kids to Sydney Park. After playing on the bike track for some time, I convinced the boys to go to the new "All Abilities" playground. My first impression was that it was very cool. I really liked the huge slippery dips embedded in the hill. So we found another family we knew and sat down. Very, very briefly.


This photo is from the website I linked at the top. The fact that you can't see much basically sums up my first complaint. The visibility in this place is a nightmare. There are bumps and hills and children disappear in an instant. And see that really big hill with the slippery dips I liked? Behind that is a very tempting looking hill for sliding down - straight into an unfenced car park which then opens onto the Princes Highway. So not only can you not see your kids, there isn't even any chance that someone else will.

And then there is the "All Abilities" tag. I presume this refers to the kids, because while I am no expert on assessing accessibility, I am guessing that anyone with a mobility impairment would have the option of sitting on the grass opposite the playground. It is all narrow, windy paths with uneven surfaces. And then paths peter out to nothing, but kids can happily dart through the gardens to other places you can't see and can't easily reach - even on two good legs.

The boys loved it. If your kid can be relied on to stay in the designated area, it is a fantastic park. There is a raised sandpit with water to make it even more fun. There's a big range of things to do and places to explore. However, unless your idea of a fun trip to the park is always being within 8 feet of your child, I'd recommend you steer well clear of it with toddlers.

Comments

[tigtog]

Interesting, I actually thought the paths and access from the playground was good for disabled carers/parents - the paths were wide enough for wheelchairs and were gently sloped with no steps. I also did see a few benches around, as well as walls thick enough to sit on.

BUT I hadn't thought about the problems of supervising very young children - too removed from those days, I guess - but the fact that little kids can run and hide in inaccessible portions of the playground would definitely worry me, and the closeness to the parking lot, while good for access, is definitely a safety problem with no fencing.

Good for kids that bit older - 4 and up say. But they'd still find it easy to get out of reach in an inaccessible bit of landscaping - perhaps they expect any disabled carer/parent to be accompanied by someone able-bodied as well, to do the chasing?

[lauredhel]

Coz eny fule kno that the State provides free nannies for all parents with disabilities!

*dreams*

[shonias]

Yes, there are a lot of sitting spots, and maybe I was over-critical of the paths in and around the playground - we approached from the Sydney Park Rd side, and the access from that direction into the playground itself is via paved, rather narrow paths, but n doubt you are right that access is better from different directions.

And yes, 4 and up is spot on - the just-turned-4 year old was fine, but probably wouldn't have been 6 months ago.

Of course, with your state sponsored nanny, you can enjoy a coffee at the cafe while your little one frolicks under their watchful eye. *snort*