A focus on: Wilfred Taylor Reserve
The largest playspace in Adelaide’s south opened earlier this year for families to explore at Wilfred Taylor Reserve in Morphett Vale.
The $2.2 million nature-based playspace has been designed for people of all ages and abilities to explore, roam and enjoy the reserve’s gorgeous natural environment.
Wilfred Taylor Reserve Highlights
Highlights include a hills to beach creative sand and water play area, possum hangout rope challenge and slide tower, sensory discovery garden, cultural nature trail along Christie Creek and a junior nature play area.
Farm and nature themes are featured as a tribute to the site’s importance for Kaurna people, and the site’s history as a working farm from the 1840s to 1960s.
Stunning public art by local Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna and Yankunytjatjara artist Allan Sumner is scattered throughout the playspace, which also includes a “Farm Village” with farm-themed play equipment.
Inclusive play opportunities at Wilfred Taylor Reserve:
- basket swings
- a bucket seat on the flying fox
- wheelchair-accessible carousel
- raised sensory garden beds
- a raised sand play table
- a vertical xylophone
There are also grassed open spaces for events and ball games; pathways for children’s bikes and scooters; and amenities including bike racks, barbecues, picnic facilities, drinking fountains, seating, lighting, car parking and shelters to complete the playspace.
Wilfred Taylor Reserve is located on the corner of Wheatsheaf and States Roads.
Adelaide Inclusive play spaces
Many Australian play spaces don’t meet the needs of their communities.
Physical disabilities, coupled with childhood disorders, and the ever-changing demographic of stay at home carers, means that every detail needs to be considered for a space to be truly inclusive. It means designing and creating custom made, accessible and intergenerational play equipment and amenities, incorporating accessible pathways, passive areas, sensory and tactile play and artworks, graduated challenges, points of recognition and visual cues, fencing, accessible parking and bus drop off zones.
The 6 principles of inclusive play are:
- Everyone can play
- Access to nature
- Total experience
- A connection to community
- Play independence
- Friendship
Wilfred Taylor Reserve
Corner Wheatsheaf and States Roads
