Amazing Discovery at GOLD COAST Park

Amazing Discovery at GOLD COAST Park.

Gold Coast City Council and Disability Services Queensland have constructed a special All Abilities Playground at Kurrawa Pratten Park, Broadbeach.

This play ground is fantastic..... It provides access for all children to experience fun, interactive and challenging play, while their families and carers watch over them in an enjoyable and relaxing environment. The playground is purpose-designed to reflect community needs and include sensory, motor, imagination and educational aspects of play.

Both my Mum who lives at the Gold Coast and I were awestruck to see so many fantastic opportunities for children with special needs. Upon entering the park, the first thing you are greeted with is...

A wonderful choice board using the Auslan Sign and Boardmaker Pecs.  My little boys was excited to see things familiar to him. He immediately pointed to where he wanted to go..... initiating communication.  Our family has been using Auslan Sign and the Boardmaker Pecs for almost 5 years.  Before I place any more photos up, all around the pathways are smaller signs called..."Have a chat".  I must say who ever designed this park is right on the money!

The Park is entirely fenced playground features several zones of play to address the varied play abilities and ages. The community was heavily involved in developing the playground concept. Fun days, workshops, and creative arts school based curriculum have all contributed to the playground design. 

The playground’s design features three zones - Sandcastle, Undersea and Hill – all connected via a network of pathways and six interactive community art projects, created by 70 special education students from six local schools. 

Other features of the playground include sand play, spring toys, stepping blocks, hill slides, a giant basket swing, sway swings, a flying fox and a carousel with harnesses.

Stage Two of the playground has a large sandcastle structure with sound tubes – pipes through which children can listen to each other speak over a distance of six metres; raised tables to enable wheelchair access and sand play; and a submarine and mermaid in the Undersea zone. 

The park also has an All Abilities change room. A key aspect of the All Abilities Playground is the amenities block which features an MLAK key access change room with a changing bench and hoist. It was developed especially for people with high physical support needs and their families. The facility is only the second in an outdoor playground in Australia.

I took numerous photos,but cannot upload any of children other than my own,but I did manage to get some from the Queensland Disability Website.