As per the dictionary definition, inclusive means “not excluding any parties or groups involved in something.” So, inclusive play spaces should be designed so people of all ages and abilities can access and utilise them. Accessibility and security are critical points for a play space to be considered inclusive to ensure everyone can find the place, access it, and move around it safely. Another crucial factor in a play space to be considered inclusive is that it should provide various play experiences that will engage different people and challenge them on different levels.
If you would like to learn more about how the NSW Government helps councils, communities, landscape architects and local residents create world-class play spaces designed to include everyone in the community, visit everyonecanplay.nsw.gov.au.
There are a lot of great inclusive play spaces around Sydney that are worth going to with your kids and having fun. Please see below a list of the best 15 inclusive play spaces, considering accessibility, safety and variety of play experiences.
Eastern Suburbs Play Spaces
Address: 1/53 Yorktown Parade, Maroubra NSW 2035
Highlights:
- Recently renovated
- Slides and swings for bigger kids
- Sensory play for toddlers
Western Sydney Play Spaces
- Paperbark Playground at Parramatta Park
Address: Pitt St &, Macquarie St, Parramatta NSW 2150
Highlights:
- Range of swing options (including a joey swing for parents/carers to join in)
Address: 37A Glebe St, Parramatta NSW 2150
Highlight:
- Sandpit with water pump and channels
Lower North Shore Play Spaces
Address: 375-389 Penshurst St, Chatswood NSW 2067
- Highlights:
- Space themed park with an iconic rocket ship.
- Accessible toilets and plenty of seating.
Upper North Shore Play Spaces
Address: 22 Waitara Ave, Waitara NSW 2077
Highlights:
- Diverse range of equipment for kids of all ages including swings and carrousels.
Northern Beaches Play Spaces
Address: 10 Birdwood Ave, Collaroy NSW 2097
Highlights:
- Liberty Swing for wheelchair users (use an MLAK key)
- All-inclusive accessible carousel
Address: Lindrum Street. Belrose NSW 2085.
Highlights:
- Has a fabulous bike track and now has extra features that will help your child think of new play ideas and test their gross motor skills
Address: 4A Maple Pl, Belrose NSW 2085
Highlights:
- Rope climbing
- Sensory wheels and blocks
Address: 4 Pusan Pl, Belrose NSW 2085
Highlights:
- Little and cosy playground
- Chalk board (BYO chalk)
- Great pathways for toddlers to scooter
Address: Forest Way, Belrose NSW 2085
Highlights:
- Sensory music play equipment
Address: 810 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why NSW
Highlights:
- Beautiful garden with guided sensory experiences around the park
- Arts and crafts space
- Beautiful place to connect with nature
South Sydney Play Spaces
Address: 1 Dame Mary Gilmore Rd, Oatley NSW 2223
- Highlights
- Huge three-storey timber structure with ropes, ladders and tunnels
- Stationary steam train.
South-West Sydney Play Spaces
12. Variety Livvi’s Place, Glenfield
Address: 22 Bougainville Rd, Glenfield NSW 2167
Highlights:
- Mini bike track
- Water play
- Sandpit
13. Variety Livvi’s Place, Hammondville (https://www.variety.org.au/variety-livvis-place-lt-cantello-reserve-hammondville/ )
Address: Lieutenant Cantello Reserve, Stewart Ave, Hammondville NSW 2170
Highlights:
- Inclusive see-saw, carousel and trampolines
- Sensory and quiet areas
14. Dawson-Damer Water Park (https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/parks-and-recreation/parks-and-playgrounds/view/dawson-damer-park-oran-park )
Address: Oran Park NSW 2570
Highlights:
- Inclusive playground elements
- Water wheelchairs
- Accessible bathroom
Visit your local inclusive play space and let you and your child explore! Please share your experience with us and let us know any other inclusive play spaces we should include in our list of favourites!
Want more?
Want more information about the benefits of outdoor play? Check out one of our previous blog posts on The Importance of Park Play. And summer is just around the corner, so check out our blog post on Top Summer Fun Activities (which has ideas that can be used year-round).
And if you would like support for your child with additional needs, get in contact with us by calling 9913 3823 or by emailing us at hello@occupationaltherapy.com.au.
