Inclusive playgrounds in regional Victoria
7 December 2023
Summer holidays are a time to get outside to enjoy the fresh air, and there’s nothing better than an inclusive, all-abilities playground.
These are designed for children with a variety of disabilities and sensory issues and are a chance for your child to engage with others, let off steam, and possibly get creative with sand or water play. And sometimes there’s even a picnic area for the family to enjoy some downtime in the shade.
A truly inclusive playground will offer a range of features including access, equipment design, ground cover, fencing, shelter, and accessible toilets. We’re excited that the number of accessible and inclusive playgrounds in Victoria is growing all the time.
We’ve put together a list of some of our favourites in regional Victoria for you to try out this school holiday:
Baw Baw Shire
Blue Rock Lake All Abilities Playground
Features of this adventure playground include a triple bay swing, large accessible multi-play frame, maxi slide, sensory features and play panels, two in-ground trampolines, and music chimes.
City of Ballarat
Livvi’s Place
This play space provides all abilities access to all the play equipment. There’s a double flying fox, swings, including a nest swing, slides, a carousel, a family-sized see-saw, and sand and water play areas. It’s also fully fenced with one entry point. Everything is centred around a grassed area with shade shelters containing tables and BBQs.
Victoria Park Inclusive Play Space
With wheelchair-friendly air-jumpers and a double-flying fox, this is 10,000 fenced square meters of award-winning fun! Additionally, the swings, spinners, water play, and slides allow everyone to enjoy a wide range of play experiences alongside or with others. The playground is designed with many safety features, including fencing with single-point entry that helps protect children who may not be aware of road safety.
City of Greater Bendigo
Eaglehawk Play Space
This eagle hawk-shaped modern inclusive playground is set near a lake and caters to children of all ages. It’s multi-zoned and has active and passive areas for children of all abilities. There’s equipment for swinging, spinning, and sliding, a series of pathways, accessible play opportunities, lots of trees, and picnic and BBQ facilities.
City of Greater Geelong
Portarlington Park Playground
This fantastic playground is on a hill with sweeping views of the water. There are ocean-inspired tree sculptures and favourites such as a flying fox, climbing frames, swings and water play.
LaTrobe City
Newman Park
Situated in Traralgon, this park has a lot to offer, with inclusive playgrounds for children of all ages and abilities. There’s a Liberty Swing, flying fox, sandpit, table tennis table, and swings. Undercover electric BBQs are spread throughout the park, and there are toilets and ample parking. A miniature steam train also runs around the edge of the park on the fourth Sunday of each month from 12 pm -4 pm (weather permitting).
Macedon Ranges Shire
Woodend Children’s Park
Set in a large open space with native trees giving shade, this playground has a diverse range of play equipment for children of all ages. The toddler and junior play areas are fully fenced, and there are BBQ shelters dotted around the park.
Shire of East Gippsland
Bairnsdale All Abilities Playground
Designed to show different parts of East Gippsland, such as the timber mills and the shipwreck coast. It has a Liberty Swing, a Changing Place toilet facility, shelters, BBQs, and picnic tables. Great for a familiy day out.
Shire of Mornington Peninsula
Balnarring Village Reserve
A popular fully fenced playground located at the centre of Balnarring. You’ll find a basket swing, flyer saucer, slides, and a climbing wall. Nearby there are picnic tables, BBQ, and toilet facilities.