Award of Excellence

Sea Play on the Bay, Busselton — Plan E

Sea Play on the Bay, Busselton by Plan E

Aboriginal Nation

Wardandi Group, Noongar Nation

Location

Busselton, Western Australia

Client

City of Busselton

JURY COMMENT

Sea Play on the Bay encapsulates the spirit of Busselton’s maritime history and draws on the city’s coastal environment. With distinctive vertical elements that add excitement, scale, a sense of movement and high-seas drama, the playground is a striking major attraction of the foreshore development.

Exploration and discovery are encouraged through a variety of play opportunities for all ages, with areas designated for all abilities. A clipper ship is the centrepiece of the dry-play space – an area that provides physical challenges including swinging, climbing and balance – while the wet-play space is an apt feature for this coastal location.

The jury commended the use of nontraditional, bespoke play elements and dramatic lighting to extend playground patronage, allowing users to enjoy the space during the day and at night.

Sea Play on the Bay is proving to be an iconic part of the ever-improving Busselton foreshore and tourist precinct.

Landscape architect Plan E Electrical and lighting Brand CDEP Play audit Kidsafe WA Structural engineer Peritas Group Photographers City of Busselton (left), Plan E (right)