Thomas Park Final Design
The Thomas Park upgrade is intended to open the park and playspace to a wider range of visitors, including people with disabilities, by providing a bigger and updated range of play activities.
The upgrade will include the replacement of the existing playspace, the creation of a bike loop and provision of connecting accessible paths from the parking area to the shelter and the playspace.
The replacement of the existing playspace will include total replacement of the aged play equipment with new equipment in both nature play and traditional styles. (Please note that while a playground may still look serviceable at first glance, many of its components may be reaching the end of their intended lifespan. Over time, equipment can deteriorate in ways that aren’t always visible: materials weaken, safety standards evolve, and wear and tear from regular use accumulates).
The updated play equipment will meet current safety standards and is designed to last another 20 years.
This final design responds to the community desire for the safer option of a separated bike and playspace, and to requests to include a slide and to ensure that the swings were accessible to wheelchair users. The community consultation included ideas and requests for other items which could not be included due to grant requirements, park suitability or budget constraints. These ideas and requests have been noted and may be explored for inclusion in future works.
These will appeal to a range of ages and includes:
- A generous four bay swing set, including a nest swing and an expression swing (which seats an adult and child at the same time)
- A climbing net in the shape of a spider web
- A climbing platform with a wide low slide suitable and safe for toddlers
- A long balance trail and
- the play space will be separated from the bike loop by a wall of sensory items and sandstone logs that will also provide informal seating.
The new bike loop will feature include:
- rollers
- a berm around one end,
- mounds to ride over or around to improve agility skills and
- optional riding challenges including skinnies and a bunny hop.
We heard from the community that seating areas are very important to users. The upgrade will also provide additional seating in the park. There will still be four tables in the park, however one table will be moved out of the shelter and relocated closer to the playspace. This allows for wheelchair circulation space within the shelter to the remaining table, and responds to community requests to locate a picnic table closer to the playspace. Additional seating will be added along the edge of the shelter with sandstone blocks and bench seating (the exact details of the blocks and bench seating are still being finalised).
In addition there will also be an new bench seat between the play space and bike track and the opportunity for informal seating on the sandstone logs, also between the play space and the track.