The two additional tree plantings in the design will help to achieve increased tree canopy coverage. Positioning trees on the western side of the playground will maximise the shade gains in the hottest times of the day.

• Accessibility: This playground design has accommodated the future consideration and addition of a new path to connect the roadside path and the playground. Rubber softfall will be installed to allow access through bark chips to a ‘basket’ swing.
• Inclusivity: Designs and features cater for various age groups and abilities, people within walking distance, consider strategic initiatives and are within the renewal budget.

“Nature play...gets children active or thinking actively outdoors, ...building skills and ability to play without the need for parental or adult control.” - 16 July 2016, Nature Play Queensland.

Nature Play encourages children to use their environment to play, build and interact with in any way they want. Structured playgrounds make this difficult to achieve. Through our playground renewals, we aim to encourage more natural play by including rocks, logs, bark chips, plants, and garden beds.

To combat the urban heat island effect, we are minimising rubber softfall use to high wear areas and to allow access to certain play items. Our urban heat mapping study reveals rubber softfall is one of the hottest materials in our parks and reserves.