Liverpool Public School students have presented models for a new playground in Bigge Park to Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun.
Mayor Mannoun – who described them as “playground experts’’ – said the students’ ideas would be incorporated into the final designs for Bigge Park.
“Bigge Park is one of the first revitalisation projects for the Building Our New City project,’’ the mayor said.
“We’re looking at adding fitness equipment, upgrading footpaths, lighting, and establishing a café at the corner of College and Elizabeth Streets,” he said.
“Next to the café, we’re also putting in a new playground, which we have asked the students to design.
“As our local playground experts, I look forward to seeing their advice.”
Council’s Building and Recreation Manager talked to 180 Year 5 and Year 6 students about playground design principles including safety, fall space and shade.
The students researched playground equipment on the websites of council’s preferred suppliers, and then made scale-models from pipe cleaners, paddle pop sticks and other craft materials. One of the designs suggest a giant sandpit, pictured left, with two more suggested designs below..
Liverpool Public School assistant principal Leanne McCartney said the students had taken the project seriously.
“They’ve enjoyed doing the research and learning about the factors that go into creating a playground,” she said.
“It’s given them an insight into what is involved – that playgrounds are not just a random selection of equipment, and it’s been a fun learning experience.
“They’ve also learnt that they can have a say in local decision-making.”
Urbis, the design team selected to work on Bigge Park as part of Building Our New City, will receive a report on the students’ work.
