Para Wirra Nature Playspace by TCL

Aboriginal Nation

Kaurna

Client

Trails and Infrastructure / Department of Environment and Water (SA)

Location

Yattalunga, South Australia

Jury comment

What at first appears to be very simple and barely there slowly reveals itself to be a thoughtful and sensitive intervention that capitalizes on its natural setting of mature eucalypts to create a play experience embedded in nature and full of discovery. The Para Wirra Nature Playspace takes the principles of nature play to the next level and, through the insertion of sculptural elements to encounter and interact with, has created a place where the natural woodland landscape is the stage and inquisitive learning is inspired. Less can be more and the jury recognized that this was not an easy thing to achieve. The combination of built play elements, in a palette of materials that appears to be of the place, and their careful siting has created an environment for exploration, imagination and wonder that is deeply connected to nature. The design team, led by TCL, is to be commended for its sensitive approach and lightness of touch.

Entrant TCL Landscape architect (playground) TCL Lead consultant and architect (shelters, amenities, site infrastructure) Shannon Architects Structural and civil engineer Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec Lead contractor Unique Urban Built Landscape subcontractor (playground) Elton Landscapes Zipline Playmazing Play space inspection Kidsafe SA Cost estimation RLB Photography Tash Mohring