Images: City of Burnside
Families in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs have something exciting to look forward to, with construction now underway on a brand-new adventure playground at Kensington Wama/Kensington Gardens Reserve.
Replacing a playground that’s been around for more than two decades, the new play space will be contemporary, inclusive and accessible, while highlighting the area’s natural environment and Kaurna cultural heritage.
Expected to open later this year in September or October, the project has been shaped through an extensive co-design process involving local residents, the neighbouring preschool, Kaurna cultural advisors, Council staff and arborists, making sure the final design reflects both community needs and the unique character of the reserve.
The new playground has been inspired by local birdlife and the diverse species that call Burnside’s urban forest home. This has all been reflected in the design and theme of the space.
Children will be able to climb through a custom bird-hide play tower complete with binoculars and bird sculptures, soar across the reserve on a flying fox, tackle monkey bars and climbing equipment, bounce on an accessible trampoline, spin in a hamster wheel and test their balance across a giant repurposed eucalyptus log.
The 6.7 metre log, weighing around eight tonnes, has been transformed into a centrepiece nature play element, giving children a chance to climb, balance and explore using natural materials.
Hidden bird carvings, interpretive signage and bespoke artworks created in collaboration with a local Kaurna artist will also be found throughout the playground, encouraging imaginative play while celebrating the site’s cultural significance and connection to Country.
“The vision for the new playground was to create a contemporary, inclusive and accessible play space that meets current best practice and serves the community for decades to come,” shared Burnside CEO Julia Grant.
“Replacing equipment that had exceeded its 20-year lifespan provided an opportunity to reimagine the play space through a collaborative design process involving local residents, the neighbouring preschool, Kaurna cultural advisors, arborists and Council staff. Their input helped shape a playground design that reflects the community’s needs, celebrates local cultural heritage, and respects the natural environment, including the protection of the reserve’s mature eucalyptus trees.”
Accessibility has been a major focus throughout the design, with inclusive features across lots of the playground.
Families can expect wheelchair-accessible rubber soft fall surfaces, a quiet retreat space for children who may become overwhelmed, non-verbal communication signage, an inclusive flying fox seat, a nest swing and a ramped trampoline designed for wheelchair users.
There will also be a sensory treasure hunt encouraging children to discover carved artworks hidden throughout the playground by matching them to images in a specially designed activity book.
“Community feedback helped identify priorities for play, accessibility and character, while Kaurna cultural advisors contributed ideas that celebrate local stories and connection to Country,” shared Julia.
Protecting the reserve’s iconic eucalyptus trees has been another key priority throughout construction. Council arborists worked closely with the design team to make sure footings avoided sensitive root zones, allowing the mature trees to remain a defining feature of the reserve.
The project, which has a budget of under $1 million, is expected to become one of Adelaide’s standout destination playgrounds by combining adventure play with nature, culture and accessibility.
Once complete, the new playground will complement the existing nature play and Kaurna Reflection Area already found within Kensington Wama, making the reserve one of Burnside’s top destinations for families.
Kensington Wama Adventure Playground
Where: The Parade & West Terrace, Kensington Gardens SA 5068
When: Expected to open in September or October
For more information, click here.
