Oatley Bush Park Playground
“Inclusive play inspired by a natural bushland setting”
Client
Georges River Council
Completed
2019
State
NSW
Scope of Work
Deliver, Detail
Pillar
Play
Executive Summary
Following an open tender, Fleetwood Urban was appointed by Georges River Council to deliver a new nature-based playground on the site of the old Oatley Steamroller Park. Briefed under the NSW Government’s ‘Everyone Can Play’ guidelines, this richly inclusive play space features a 12-metre play tower and slide, flying fox, junior play items, custom swings, four shelters, picnic furniture, soft fall zones and extensive landscaping. It was opened to the public in September 2019 and has been heralded by Council as a “first-class recreation asset…which caters to people of all ages and abilities.”
Fleetwood Involvement
Fleetwood led the redevelopment of Oatley Park from design to completion, liaising with Council and the local community throughout. The scope of works undertaken was extensive. Beyond our usual design and construct services, we also coordinated site surveys, arborist and geotech reports, Reviews of Environmental Factors (REF) and ongoing Community Consultation and reporting – while always remaining conscious of the NSW Government’s ‘Everyone Can Play’ requirements. The creative process began with our in-house design team developing and refining concepts for the landscaping, shade and play elements at the new park. Once approved by Council, detailed construction plans were drawn up for the winning concepts including guidance around materiality and methodology, after which we commenced the fabrication, supply and final installation of all elements.
Community Engagement
We worked closely with Council and a leading nature play education specialist, to undertake a comprehensive community consultation process. A variety of initiatives were used to ensure everyone had the opportunity to provide feedback and input into the future direction and design of the new play space. These included multiple fact-finding site visits, ‘pop-up’ Play and Activation events including the presentation of three proposed play concepts, a formal ‘Your Say’ web page on Council’s website and posts on Council’s Facebook page to gather informal feedback from the local community.