Project Case Study
Emmanuel City Mission, Xavier Playground
Community Play Space
A Space for Reconnection and Joy
Emmanuel City Mission’s new home in South Brisbane offers more than meals and support—it offers belonging. As part of a shared vision to strengthen connection and spark joy in people’s lives, this play space was created to welcome children, help families reconnect and provide a safe space for the community.
Details
Location: South Brisbane, QLD
Client: Emmanuel City Mission, in partnership with Mosaic Property Group & Xavier Foundation
Project Type: Community Play Space
Scope: Small-Site Transformation for Social Connection
Equipment Budget: $65k
Project Overview
With the support of Mosaic Property Group and the Xavier Foundation, Emmanuel City Mission partnered with PARX to revitalise an underused, awkward inner-city space—transforming it into a welcoming community hub for joy, connection and play.
When space is tight, thinking vertically unlocks new possibilities. The Jukebox Twist turned this compact footprint into a multi-level adventure. Young daredevils are challenged to climb to the top of the tower from any number of pathways, peruse the world through the bubble panel then whizz down the fast-paced slide for an extra thrill. For those who prefer stillness, there’s a seat below the tower—shaded and positioned perfectly for watching the world go by.
The Finished Space
Around the play tower, the space invites connection. A Norwell stainless steel ping pong table and a concrete foosball table offer durable, low-maintenance fun—perfect for families and friends to challenge each other to some light competition!
A large cultural mural celebrates the area’s First Nations heritage, grounding the space in the stories that came before. And reprographic panels share moments and messages close to the mission’s heart, providing a hidden trail of saint medallions invites kids (and adults) to play a quiet game of find-and-seek—adding just the right touch of everyday magic.
Soft landscaping and a bench seat wrap the space in calm, giving carers and visitors a place to rest and reflect. This once tired and quiet inner-city pocket is now a space that feels safe, welcoming and very much alive.
FEATURED PRODUCTS
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