City’s first ‘scented? playground could use more shade

BY FLINT DUXFIELD

Sydney’s first disability-friendly playground opened at Sydney Park in St Peters last week.
Alongside the traditional swing set is a wheelchair-accessible slippery dip, a wheelchair-friendly sandpit, a musical bridge and a maze of scented plants.
The new play area was opened by Lord Mayor Clover Moore and includes several features designed for both children and parents with disabilities.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the emphasis of the play area is on sensory experience and on providing a safe level of challenges for children of all abilities.
‘It’s a place where all young children including those with special needs can play safely,’ Lord Mayor Moore said.
Phoebe Turner of Newtown attended the opening with her one-year-old son, Dali. She was impressed with the new facility.
‘It’s got an artistic aesthetic as well,’ she said.
But Ms Turner was disappointed with the lack of shaded areas.
Heidi Hendry of Dulwich Hill visited the park with her four-year-old daughter, Halo and three year old son, Kael. She also felt the playground could benefit from more shaded areas.
‘It’s really hard to get hats on under twos so having some shade over play equipment is essential on hot days.’
A council spokesperson said a large shade would be finished by early 2009.
The new play area, which has been nine months in the making, is expected to cost $3 million when it’s completed early next year.