Plough & Harrow.

The essence of play is to encourage exploration, testing, and discovery.

One of the biggest challenges in the design of play spaces is to create environments that encourage self-determination and many levels of engagement. Playspaces are for everyone regardless of age, ability, or background.

To provide a more engaging play environment we focused on increasing the diversity of play experiences available. Designed in conjunction with play expert Ric McConaghy, the play area provides large-scale active experiences, including new ranges of interactive technological play equipment. The play area also focuses on discovery and interaction with colourful and planted mazes, water play, and QR code discovery trails.

To balance the active zones, we also made sure to provide enough quiet and passive zones. This allows children to rest, recharge and socialise in different settings. The diversity of offerings and series of different spaces encourage visitors to stay longer and visit more regularly.

The renewal of the play space at Plough and Harrow reinvigorates the park as a regional recreation destination within the Western Sydney Parklands. Through the process of play, visitors are connecting with the nature of the place and encouraged to explore ‘beyond the playground’ to the reaches of the park.

Client: Western Sydney Parklands Trust

Studio: Sydney, Australia

Key Facts: 9000m²

Location: Western Sydney Parklands, Abbotsbury, Sydney NSW

Traditional Custodians of the Land: Dharug

Photography: Simon Wood