Pioneer Park
The Queensland All Abilities Playground Project builds on the success of the state's first all abilities playground, Pioneer Park, located at Caloundra Street, Landsborough, on the Sunshine Coast.
The park was developed by Caloundra City Council and the former Disability Services Queensland, working in collaboration with the local community. The play space, which was officially opened by former Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt on 18 February 2006, was awarded two national awards for innovation and design in 2006 — the Parks and Leisure Australia PRAV Play Space Innovation Award and a Certificate of Commendation during the 2006 Kidsafe NSW National Play Space Design Awards.
The Design Framework being used to create the state's 16 new all abilities playgrounds was modelled on the design method used at Pioneer Park.
Play elements
Playing on the carouselPhysical development (physical and motor skill)
- Swings — Two different styles of seating to enable children to experience motion
- Flying fox — Children can enjoy the free-flying motion of the flying fox
- Carousel — The feeling of spinning while suspended in the air in the safety of harnessed chairs
- Climbing net — Fun while testing strength, motor skills and coordination
- Hammock — Chill-out area that provides the slow, rocking motion of the hammock.
Fun with spinning flowersSensory (emotional and social skill)
- Artificial garden — Spinning flowers in the garden are fun and stimulating
- Sand and water play tables — A space where children can interact, experiment and play with sand and water
- Vibrating rock — Stimulating device that heightens tactile awareness through vibration
- Sensory garden — A living interactive garden designed to stimulate the senses.
Setting the cogs in motionLearning (cognitive and social skill)
- Cog panel — Children can learn 'cause and effect' by turning the wheel and setting cogs in motion
- Visual language tiles — Visual cues that teach children to link the picture with an object or action
- I Spy and I Hear panels — Visual cues that teach children to link objects and colours in the surrounding playground
- Touch tiles — Children learn A-to-Z Braille and sign language through touch and visual cues.
Accessible carparkFacilities
- Picnic shelter — Designed to enable prams and wheelchairs to be part of the seating arrangements
- Drinking fountain — Equal access drinking fountain, featuring a push lever for easy use
- Fencing — A fence around the entire perimeter of recreational area to ensure child safety and allow carers to relax
- Existing toilet — Equal access, unisex toilet facility.
Large shade sailsAccessibility
- Playground, access and mobility standards — Integration of the playground, and access and mobility standards
- Rubber play area — Integration of rubber play area zone with timber ramp system
- Shade — Large shade sail over playground and mature shade trees for sun protection
- Safety — Safety harness and safety support seats.
Last reviewed: 14 August 2009

