Waterfront Park children’s playground has been announced as the first Northern Territory playground to take home gold at the Kidsafe National Playsafe Design Awards, recognising excellence and innovation in the provision of safe and creative playspaces.
The playground located at Darwin Waterfront was awarded 2018 Winner of the Public Playspace Category A up to $500,000, pipping over 48 entrants to the post in its nominated category.
CEO Kidsafe NT, Kellie Shewring, said “that the project won because the judges agreed that this is a very exciting playground which caters for young children and their families, providing facilities that encourage everyone to stay and play!
The equipment is not ‘traditional’ and promotes imaginative and explorative play against the backdrop of the beautiful Darwin Harbour.”
The Awards aim to promote inspirational, innovative, best practice play facilities that encourage healthy participation in recreational activities for all children.
The playground was opened in 2017, however closed shortly after due to reports of some play elements getting too hot. In response construction commenced by the Darwin Waterfront Corporation to deliver a permanent shade structure over the playground, as well the adjacent walkway and seating area.
“It’s not uncommon for playgrounds to experience issues when they first open, but the response by the Corporation to rapidly address has resulted in an improved attraction that is now very popular for families” Kellie said.
Waterfront Park is open 24 hours and caters for children between two to eight years, complete with subtle lighting, CCTV, free Wifi and is recognised as a breastfeeding friendly venue by the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
The Kidsafe National Playspace Design Awards are held every 2 years and are open to playground owners, service providers, design professionals and landscapers from across Australia.
To see the list of 19 national winners and their categories visit https://kidsafe.com.au/national-playspace-design-award-winners-2018/.
Media contact: Chloe Koukouvas, Senior Events Coordinator, 0457 964 832
