Project Case Study
Wadda Mooli Park
Destination Playground
Welcome to Wadda Mooli
Wadda Mooli—meaning ‘welcome’ in the Bindal people’s language—is more than a name. It captures the spirit of this inclusive, high-impact play destination created for Townsville’s Elliot Springs community. Designed in collaboration with Lendlease, Lat27 and the Touched by Olivia Foundation, the space is an invitation for people from all walks of life to come together, connect and play.
Details
Location: Elliot Springs, QLD
Client: Delivered in collaboration with Lendlease, Lat27 and Touched by Olivia Foundation
Project Type: Custom Play Space
Scope: Destination Playground
Equipment Budget: $627k
Project Overview
Positioned as a centrepiece for this Lendlease development, Wadda Mooli Park is also the entry point to Bindal Ridge, a 234-hectare conservation area. At the heart of the park rises an 11-metre custom tower—part landmark, part climbing adventure, and a beacon for play. Drawing inspiration from the peeling bark of native trees, the structure is wrapped in a faceted cladding system and framed by towering 10m Rustik Australian hardwood posts, echoing the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Inside, the real adventure begins. Kids ascend through three levels of spiral nets, testing their strength, nerve and curiosity as they make their way towards two thrilling tube slides set at 2 and 6 metres high. With safety and sightlines built into every level, the experience is as secure as it is exhilarating.
Beyond the tower, the play continues—rolling down embankment slides, bouncing along a roller slide, or finding rhythm in the musical play zones. Inclusive swings and wide-ranging activities make sure everyone has a reason to join in, explore and stay a little longer.
The Finished Space
From the Inclusive Orbit spinner to the deep tissue roller slide and accessible embankment slides, every element at Wadda Mooli Park is designed for engagement, challenge and delight. Integrated shade structures offer critical sun protection, making this a park where families can stay and play comfortably, even in the North Queensland heat.
Carefully modelled topography and iterative design allowed the team to resolve access and grading complexities early. Combined with robust engineering, prefabricated elements, and a precise dual-crane install, the delivery was as considered as the concept. The result is a truly landmark play space that reflects both the cultural and natural context of the site, and one that will serve the community for years to come.
Got a Similar Project?
Designed and engineered in collaboration with our custom design studio, Third Place Design, this project is part of a growing portfolio of bespoke landmark play spaces. If you’re planning something bold, sculptural or site-specific, we’d love to help bring it to life.