Our Story
Our story starts with a childhood spent outdoors.
For Marcel Veraart, founder of PARX, the outdoors has always been more than a backdrop—it’s been a way of life. Growing up on acreage surrounded by bushland, creeks and open space, nature was a playground of discovery, movement and imagination.
Those early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for the outdoors—a passion passed down through family traditions and carried into every part of our business today.
Today’s lifestyle may have changed, but the need for outdoor connection hasn’t.
We believe every child, every person and every community deserves the opportunity to live a more enriched life through connection to the outdoors. This isn’t just business for us—it’s a calling. It’s what sets our compass and drives us to push boundaries, innovate boldly and keep building a better tomorrow, one outdoor space at a time.
The Early Days
What started as a practical decision, driven by a love of the outdoors and a desire to provide for his young family, soon became something bigger.
With a background in the building industry and a deep connection to natural spaces, Marcel Veraart stepped into the recreation sector in 1998. He quickly recognised the potential for better, more meaningful outdoor spaces and saw an opportunity to do things differently.
In 2003, Playscape Creations was born. From humble beginnings, the focus was simple: deliver quality recreational solutions that put people and place first. Fast forward to today, and that foundation has evolved into PARX—a leading Australian manufacturer with in-house design, local fabrication and a product range that supports everything from modular play to custom aquatic environments.
Where We Are Today
Today, PARX stands as a leading Australian manufacturer of outdoor recreation equipment trusted by councils, schools, developers and design professionals nationwide.
While our roots remain in play, our offering has grown to include fitness, nature play, aquatic environments and custom-built solutions. Backed by in-house design, local manufacturing and specialist installation through PARX Build, we deliver spaces that are ready for real-world use and built to last.
As part of the broader PARX group, we also offer specialist capability through:
- Atlantis Liquid Dynamics – leaders in architecturally driven water play, feature fountains and aquatic installations—bringing form, function and creativity to public space.
- Third Place Design – strategic design and consultation for adventure play and public space, partnering with councils, developers and landscape architects to bring bold ideas to life.
Together, these brands give us the flexibility to support projects of all scales, from modular installs to landmark destinations.
Our History
1998
Marcel enters the recreational industry, bringing his background in building and a passion for the outdoors to a new sector.
2003
Playscape Creations is established, focused on delivering practical, people-first recreation solutions.
2006
Water play is added to our offering, marking the start of a long-standing commitment to aquatic design.
2014
Partnership with Playdale — alignment with a global leader in playground innovation to expand our product offering with premium, internationally certified equipment.
2017
In-house design and fabrication begins, laying the foundation for truly custom, Australian-made equipment.
2019
Our capability expands again with the addition of outdoor fitness—in partnership with Norwell—broadening how we support movement in public space.
Launch of Rustik, a nature-inspired range designed and made in Australia to connect children with the natural environment.
2021
Playscape Creations delivers a world-first: Australia’s first locally manufactured aquatic parks, installed in Gladstone and Maryborough.
2022
Atlantis Liquid Dynamics is established as a dedicated brand for aquatic innovation and project delivery.
Our infamous Wynnum Whale Park makes its Bluey debut.
2025
Transition from Playscape Creations to PARX. Launch of Third Place Design to support precinct-scale public space design and planning.
A Legacy of Building, a Future of Enrichment
We’re builders at heart—building products, places, communities and opportunities. Our success enables us not just to provide for our families and our team, but to share in the enrichment of the wider community.
Whether it’s a timber trail in a local park or a sculptural splashpad in a regional hub, our goal is to build spaces that provide this connection and enrichment. This intent drives every decision we make, from how we design and fabricate, to how we partner, deliver and grow.