Lilydale Lake Regional Play Space
The Yarra Ranges Council brief focussed on creating a play space that would appeal to all ages and abilities, embedded in a design unique to the local area and context. Backed by extensive community engagement the play space would become a major regional attraction.
My Role: Project Lead
- Community engagement and analysis
- Sketch and concept design plans and graphics
- Detail design
- Cost estimates and schedules
- Construction drawings and tender package
- Tender evaluation
- Construction Administration and reporting
- Generating signage designs and graphics
Project Details
A major focus was ‘intergenerational’ play; play for everyone no matter the age or ability to ensure the inclusiveness of the whole community. To better understand the needs and desires of the community an extensive and in-depth engagement plan was developed between council and Playce. These sessions included on site surveys and drawings, site walks, local schools and an online survey. The results of which greatly influenced the direction of the concept to involve themes of local wildlife and habitats to tell the story of the lake area and its native bush setting.
The theme of water and local wildlife allowed us to create a nature based play experience utilising natural materials such as rocks, timber logs, sand and waterplay emphasising the sensory trails and experiences aimed at young children. This was complemented by major custom play structures to excite the more adventurous young teens and adults to engage within the space. Playful sculptures of birds, nests, a giant platypus and reeds ground the design in its context and created a unique and identifiable play space.
A splash pad and various shade structures and amenities allow the once open and exposed space to become a refuge for families during summer and shelter during winter.
I was the project lead from inception through to construction, with support from office colleagues and the director. I worked alongside council including during the tender process to assist engaging contractors, attending weekly site meetings and managing reports and contract claims.
The ability to see a project through from inception to construction is extremely rewarding, though not without its challenges. This process and project in particular taught me a great deal from a project management perspective such as the value of clear communication and understanding between clients and contractors, the importance of clear roles and responsibilities and also the confidence and knowledge to trust in my design skills.
