Fairfield Obstacle Course
Fairfield City council’s vision was to build a permanent, public obstacle course, a first of its kind in Australia.
This project was an exciting one to be a part of and we were able to take council’s strong vision and turn it into a reality. The popularity of crossfit ‘Tough Mudder’ obstacle courses inspired the council to install a public course for training and to increase options for public physical activity that went beyond the standard fitness stations.
My Role: Project Lead
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Sketch and concept design plans and graphics
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Detail design
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Cost estimates and schedules
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Construction drawings and tender package
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Assistance throughout construction period
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Assistance writing risk assessment
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Generating signage designs and graphics
Project Details
Working alongside council I designed and detailed custom obstacles based on their inspiration imagery but also adhering to Australian Playground Standards for safety. A solution for a junior and senior course emerged alongside the use of playground mulch softfall to satisfy safety regulations with minimal impact on budget and aesthetics.
The original intent from council was to integrate existing site trees into the design to create tree-top walks with ropes and platforms. Working alongside an arborist it was established this was not possible, so a compromise was made. The course would weave through the trees, with installed 7m high posts and platforms to retain the sense of a tree-top walk, whilst preserving the health and longevity of the native trees on site.
We also worked alongside council to deliver risk assessments, play audits and inventive signage for each obstacle. Being given the opportunity to work on something as unique as this was as exciting and rewarding as it was challenging.
