Longreach turns to nature in Queensland-first Sustainable Playground

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The Longreach Childcare Centre will soon be home to a new playground made with sustainable materials, the first of its type in Queensland. 

Ground-breaking technological innovation has resulted in playgrounds that were once trash and are now treasure. The new range called Made Green is leading the way in sustainable play and is made using post-consumer recycled materials such as ocean waste, textiles, food packaging waste, and plastic bags. 

Longreach Childcare Centre will be home to the first Made Green playground in Queensland with a play unit and play panel from the new range. The posts on the play deck are made from 100% post-consumer recycled textile and plastic waste. The panels on the play deck are made from 100% post-consumer ocean recycled waste. 

“It is incredible to see a regional council put sustainability at the fore-front” said playground designer, Kyle Marsden, Urban Play.

“The Made Green KOMPAN play pieces help to reduce carbon emission by up to 50%. Not only will this playground develop little bodies and minds, but it’s also helping to lessen our impact on the environment.”

Mayor Tony Rayner said the opportunity to use innovative materials was important to Council.

“The improvements to the Longreach Childcare Centre offered us a great chance to innovate and change the way we think about this kind of infrastructure” he said. “We have a harsh climate, so we’re always looking for new materials that will offer us better outcomes over the lifetime of our assets.”

The Australian Early Years Learning Framework states that “play spaces in natural environments include plants, trees, edible gardens, sand, rocks, mud, water and other elements from nature. These spaces invite open-ended interactions, spontaneity, risk-taking, exploration, discovery and connection with nature. They foster an appreciation of the natural environment and provide a platform for ongoing environmental education.” 

Cr Rayner said Council was looking to implement more nature-based play where possible.

“The nature-based play design philosophy is one that really appeals to us. It allows our facilities to be more responsive to the climate, and creates opportunities for our young people to safely explore our unique environment. It also makes sense from a maintenance and asset management perspective, particularly in our tough operating conditions.

“But most of all, it’s great fun – and I’m sure this playground will be appreciated by our littlest residents!”

The playground was designed by award-winning playground designers Urban Play and has been completed this week.

LCC Playground Web