Jury comment
Thorndon Park Playground is an exemplary project that illustrates how landscape architects can deliver diverse and unique play experiences while remaining grounded in local site and community needs. Here, sculptural play elements are formed to represent local birdlife, with structures remaining open to interpretation and allowing space for imaginative play. Planting has been selected to support the local bird and insect life, with priority given to habitat species. A targeted engagement program has ensured that this play space is designed for its particular community and connects to surrounding site uses. The playground is inclusive, with consideration for both children and their guardians. Additionally, the designer worked with a local Kaurna representative to respectfully integrate language and culture. Each sculptural bird element includes a Kaurna name. With bespoke elements that are connected to the unique place and community, this minimal yet sensitive design ensures many playful moments while also demonstrating that playgrounds can be design-led – they can be beautiful as well as fun.
Thorndon Park Playground is built in Campbelltown, South Australia on the land of the Kaurna people.
Project credits
Design practice JPE Design Studio Builder LCS Landscapes DDA consultant Able Access Design Cost consultant Chris Sale Consulting Civil and structural engineer CPR Engineers Services and hydraulic engineer Trinamic Consultants Sculptural play elements fabricator Exhibition Studios Additional collaborators South Australian Parkour Association, The Deaf Butterfly Effect, Two Way Street, Campbeltown City Council’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), Campbelltown City Council’s Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee and Iguana Creative Photographer David Sievers
To view all the winners of the 2023 National Landscape Architecture Awards, go here.
