Project Case Study

Windsor Sport & Community Park

Nature-Inspired Play

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A Hidden Gem Beneath the Canopy

Tucked away amongst the inner-city suburbs of Brisbane, Windsor Sports & Community Park is a true hidden gem. Sheltered beneath a mature Moreton Bay Fig whose canopy spans metres in every direction, the playground blends so intimately with the space that you could blink and miss it. But once you’re immersed, the magic of the space is undeniable.

Details

Location: Windsor, QLD

Client: Delivered in collaboration with Naturform and Brisbane City Council

Project Type: Community Park

Scope: Activate one of Brisbane’s most valued open space assets, with inclusive and flood resistant design

Equipment Budget: $280k

Project Overview

When Brisbane City Council set out to activate 1.57 hectares of flood-prone vacant land in Windsor, the brief was clear: honour the space, design for floods and create a valued community asset. PARX worked alongside landscape contractor Naturform and Council’s City Design Team to deliver just that — a nature-based play space built from Australian hardwood timber, designed to withstand inundation.

The site came with a caveat that, instead of being seen as a constraint, became its defining feature: a mature Moreton Bay Fig that had to be protected at all costs. This impacted not only access and construction, but also design. Care was taken to ensure that all equipment heights sat below the branch line, and that selected play elements added to the landscape rather than detracted from it. The result is a playground woven so carefully into the space around the tree that you can’t imagine one without the other.

Flood Resistant Design

After the 2022 Brisbane floods, the water level within the playground rose above the treehouse deck (more than 3m high), with the tops of the swings and some of the systems no longer visible above the flood water. When the water receded several days later, all footings were secure with no structural movement. The timber did not take on any additional moisture and the rubber softfall was intact. The stainless steel elements were surface rust and oxidisation free and following a good wash down and debris removal, the play equipment was in excellent working order, with no visible damage or aesthetic impact.

The use of Rustik timber hardwood product was integral in ensuring flood resistant design. Protected by a 15 year guarantee, the unique timber treatment, coupled with the structural integrity of inground footings, ensure longevity and reduce maintenance burden.

The Finished Space

Beyond the fig tree, the Rustik Tallaganda Hut serves as the centrepiece of the playground. Positioned to maximise connection with the canopy, it allows children to climb to a height that feels akin to a treehouse. Its installation required careful planning, with the structure carefully craned into place, avoiding the tree’s existing root system.

Surrounding elements support a range of play experiences. The Culgoa encourages vertical movement, while the Littabella hammock provides a quieter point of rest. The two-bay swing set, incorporating strap, toddler and basket seats, caters to different ages and abilities. A dry river creek bed weaves through the eastern end of the space, encouraging children to explore the natural environment through open-ended play. Nearby, the Kinchega climbing system offers a sense of challenge and supports gross motor planning as children learn to climb through three-dimensional space.

Accessibility is embedded throughout. Pathways are designed for wheelchair and pram access, connecting each play zone without interruption. An all-abilities carousel enables children to transfer directly onto the equipment and participate alongside others, supporting shared play rather than separation.

Detailing across the space reinforces a connection to place. Australian hardwood posts feature artist interpretations of native animals, adding subtle points of interest without overwhelming the natural setting. Over time, the timber has developed a natural patina through use, further embedding the space within its environment.