10/06/2023
Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY
Project Title: Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY
Location: Centennial Parklands, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Client: Centennial and Moore Park Trust
Year: 2017
Landscape Architect: ASPECT Studios
In October 2017, NSW Minister for the Environment, Local Government, and Heritage, Gabrielle Upton, formally inaugurated the Ian Potter Children's WILD PLAY Garden by ASPECT Studios. WILD PLAY is a learning experience for youngsters ages 2 to 12 years old, located within Centennial Parklands Learning Centre. Landezine is a publication dedicated to all things related to land. (Landezine, 2017)
“Discovery, challenges, mobility, and adventure are all things that children like. Playing with water, climbing trees, leaping through puddles, and hiding in trees are all things they like doing in nature. As parents, we understand this instinctively, and as designers, we incorporate these insights into our work,” says the author.
Concept
Ian Potter Children's wild play park was designed with the goal of creating an environment that is welcoming and gives visitors a sense of belonging. And to provide an atmosphere that encourages children to engage in play that promotes physical coordination, strength, and flexibility, as well as relaxation and enjoyment, while also promoting social and emotional development. Various of this has been accomplished, and children with all types of impairments can now enjoy the park and feel like they belong without worry of being stereotyped by other children.
Context
The park was well planned and considered many things before building it. The park is in the center of the CBD, the designers were able to bring the countryside experience to the city, children that only know the city can have the same experience as the people living in the countryside. The trees are clustered giving privacy and reducing all the noise from the city, “The bamboo forest, banksia scrub and caves are about hiding” the children can have some privacy and be in their own world without the interruption of others.
Water feature
Immersion, relief, delight, and surprise are all themes in the water play.
Children adore water and dirt, so creating a location where they can enjoy these natural elements makes the room more pleasurable for them and helps them relax.
It's a sensory pleasure to play with water and mud.
As a result, it gives a plethora of topics for youngsters to discuss and exhibit their limitless learning capabilities.
“Scientists have now verified what youngsters have always understood instinctively: playing in dirt is a pleasurable experience. According to recent study, dirt includes tiny bacteria called Mycobacterium Vaccae, which activates the immune system and boosts serotonin levels in our brains, an endorphin that soothes, relaxes, and aids relaxation. Regular contact with the bacteria, according to scientists, may help lessen a child's sensitivity to depression. Playing in the dirt, in short, makes you happy! 2016 (Rupiper).
Bespoke play equipment
The advantages of wooden play equipment include the fact that it does not transfer heat and is therefore less vulnerable to damage. Because the wood absorbs the color, marking wooden playground equipment with paint or ink is more difficult. Any paint that is visible may be simply sanded away.
The wooden play equipment in the park is meant to be inclusive, accommodating children of all abilities. There are three types of wooden play equipment in the park, based on the skills and ages of the children.
The first is a dome-shaped wooden play structure with swings and wooden steps that forces children to climb and provides physical activity. It is designed for children who are older, stronger, and not disabled.
The second one is one with panels on the ground that is designed for young children and disabled children. Its benefit is that children may receive assistance from their parents in walking between the panels, and it also allows parents to connect with their children via play.
The third one is made out of bamboo wooden sticks that are clustered together to form a bridge that also provides seclusion, allowing youngsters in wheelchairs to enjoy the area and play hide and seek while still enjoying the wooden play equipment experience.
Open space
Because there is no play equipment in the open space, it is ideal for families to picnic together and spend quality time together.
Families may have a BBQ, and the park includes seats for parents who have brought their children to the park. They can rest and relax on the benches while waiting for their children.
Reference
Anon, (n.d.). Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY by ASPECT Studios «Landscape Architecture Platform | Landezine. [online] Available at: http://landezine.com/.../ian-potter-childrens-wild-play.../ [Accessed 22 May 2023].
www.communityplaythings.com. (n.d.). Mud, Marvelous Mud! [online] Available at: https://www.communityplaythings.com/.../the-benefits-of... [Accessed 22 May 2023].
Playground Equipment | Outdoor Playground Equipment | PlayEquip. (2019). The Benefits Of Wooden Playground Equipment - Playground Equipment. [online] Available at: https://playequip.com/the-benefits-of-wooden-playground.../ [Accessed 22 May 2023].