Leslie Patrick Park Playground to Receive Major Accessibility Upgrade
The City of Moreton Bay’s all abilities playground at Leslie Patrick Park in Arana Hills is scheduled for a major upgrade aimed at increasing accessibility for children of all abilities.
Planned improvements at Leslie Patrick Park are designed to benefit children and adults with low or no vision, as well as individuals with other sensory needs.
The upgrade follows consultation with speech pathologists, occupational therapists, access consultants, and park users, including a community engagement day with children and parent volunteers from Vision Australia.
Work began this month on an additional play space, which will feature a braille trail, pavement art, beehive cubby, sensory hangout, vibration post, overhead optic sensory panels, and a picnic shelter.
According to City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery, the new play space will connect with the existing playground, which opened in late 2019.
Flannery said the upgrade is expected to enhance the accessibility of the playground for more children and their families.
He noted that feedback from the community was incorporated to introduce features that support navigation for people with low or no vision, communication and education opportunities, sensory play elements, and quiet spaces.
Flannery stated that providing accessible and inclusive parks and recreation spaces remains a priority for the City of Moreton Bay.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Vision Australia and community volunteers in the consultation process.
Councillor Matt Constance said the $500,000 upgrade is being delivered as a Local Community Infrastructure (LCI) project.
Constance stated that the upgraded play space will be available to people of all abilities, and that public feedback was incorporated into the design. He added that efforts will be made to minimize disruption to playground users during construction.
Construction is expected to take approximately eight weeks, weather permitting.
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