MANNINGHAM PLAYGROUNDS

2023-2024
Hodgson Reserve
Morna Reserve
Kerry Reserve
Michael Reserve
Collaboration: Manningham City Council
Construction: Rubble Landscapes, Crafted Landscapes

The four Manningham Playgrounds are examples of integrating nature play into the smallest of municipal play spaces, the neighbourhood playground. Formerly identifiable as a swing, a slide and a climbing piece surrounded by grass, the aim is to utilise rocks and logs for edging to create nature play opportunities, planting zones and integrate new trees for future shade. While simple in concept, the delivery of these features is complex and involves auditing of natural play elements, tree protection, earthworks and commitment from maintenance managers. The approach however allows a strong level of site responsive design to reveal the character of these reserves.