Aston Park Playground
Commissioned by landscape architect firm Tract, Kaebel worked to complete a concept and design to fit the architect’s brief for a dinosaur-themed playspace. A great deal of research went into refining the material palette to ensure the completed design would have the desired aesthetic, while being able to withstand the external environment and provide appropriate play challenges.
Project Overview
- Budget (Equipment Only)
- $180,000 – $200,000
- Our Contribution
- Bespoke Equipment
Located in the burgeoning residential development of Donnybrae in Donnybrook, Victoria, a newly completed playground has been given a Jurassic-themed design to give local kids the ultimate play adventure. The playspace features a series of equipment from conventional and nest swings to springers and inground trampolines, all scattered across a vibrantly coloured softfall surface. At its centre stands a giant elongated climbing centre with the head of a dinosaur! Designed and manufactured by Kaebel Leisure, this striking structure is a custom-designed a riff on their innovative and versatile Spaghetti Structure range.
Commissioned by landscape architect firm Tract, Kaebel worked to complete a concept and design to fit the architect’s brief for a dinosaur-themed playspace. A great deal of research went into refining the material palette to ensure the completed design would have the desired aesthetic, while being able to withstand the external environment and provide appropriate play challenges.
The dinosaur’s head is a masterpiece. The sculptural form was crafted using a heavy steel subframe clad in a variety of perforated metal panels. The perforations form a decorative pattern that give the unit its character, while climbing pegs secured to the panel allow little adventurers to climb Dino’s face up to a netted tunnel.
The body of the dinosaur is shaped like an unearthed skeleton, formed by the solid structure of the Spaghetti frame. Flowing curves create a rib-cage- ike serpentine tunnel from which various play units are connected to or suspended from.
A climbing net stretches across the ribs directly behind the head, allowing the fearless to climb right over the top of the dinosaur, while heavy ropes anchored to the next frame provide agility obstacles. The final section of the structure features a pair of nest swings and a climbing tunnel that gives users the opportunity to climb up and out onto the beast’s tail.
For those who dare, behind the head of the dinosaur sits an elevated tower with an enclosed slide that twists down to the ground — making it look like children are popping out of Dino’s mouth! Large palm trees stand tall over the playspace, adding to its prehistoric feel, while naturally landscaped edges form an organic perimeter that makes it look like users are playing in the jungle. A nearby sheltered picnic area adds amenity to the space and a connected greenspace offers more room to run around. With its plethora of play elements and a dinosaur skeleton to boot, what more could any kid ask for?
