Sydney’s first science based playground is coming to Campbelltown.
As part of its “state of play strategy’’, Campbelltown City Council is developing a series of master plans and concept designs for six play spaces in Campbelltown, including a pilot science-based playground in Glen Alpine.
Council is working with Dr Ragbir Bhathal of Western Sydney University and play space designer Ric McConaghy to design a pilot science-based playground at Lack Reserve in Glen Alpine.
The park, which is in the concept planning phase, is proposed to include science elements such as a Fibonacci balance beam, infinity mirror, pendulum swing, ground trampolines and spinner demonstrating centrifugal force.
The purpose of the science playground will be to provide an environment that is not only fun, but provides a unique learning experience outside of the usual four walls of a classroom.
Campbelltown Mayor, Cr George Brticevic, said Council wanted to create playgrounds that provided more than physical exercise.
“Physical play is an important part of every child’s development,” he said.
“But it also presents an opportunity for children to start to learn other important scientific concepts without even realising it.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The swing demonstrates the concept of a pendulum, trampolines introduce the concept of action and reaction and the spica spinner demonstrates centrifugal force.”[/social_quote]
Campbelltown Council’s state of play strategy is a comprehensive and prioritised plan for the future development and management of playground facilities between now and 2036.
The strategy includes an audit of current facilities, sets out what the needs of the community will be in five, 10 and 20 years, and what facilities will be required to meet those needs.
It also provides a planning framework; including a hierarchy of facilities allocated to each existing playground, as well as a list of future recommended additional playgrounds to enable a broad range of opportunities locally.
Council engaged consultants to develop the strategy.
