Early in 2007 Landsborough was graced with a magnificant new playground for children that is so good even parents and caregivers use it too. Pioneer Park is situated on the corner of Steve Irwin Way and the Maleny Landsborough Road just outside Landsborough town. The area is no more than an acre in size.
The playground has become very popular since it was built recently as it is now a magnet that can entertain children for hours with the kaleidoscope of colourful and playful works of art. Parents and caregivers also find the innovative and imaginative playground exciting as it has so many custom designed features to keep everyone happy. This results in the playground having so many visitors daily using it for playing, family gatherings or birthday parties.
Pioneer Park has now been transformed with the addition of this new, all abilities playground that was designed and built as a recreational environment where children can play unhindered and have boundless fun while challenging their young minds in an atmosphere of fun and safety. Parents can feel comfortable joining in the fun of the children or just sitting and relaxing in the comfortable seats nearby while their children share in loads of fun and laughter.
The park became the joint project between the North Coast Regional Disability Service in Queensland and the Caloundra City Council and so far it has won a national design award and several commendation certificates for the safety of children. This project was the first of its type as it caters to all children with or without disabilities and mobility needs. Pioneer Park also has public transport stopping just outside the playground making it more user friendly to people without cars.
There are many features of the park. One creative apparatus is the flying fox where children and that includes children with disabilities too, can soar through the air in a free flowing motion while safely harnessed in a chair with full back support. Another clever playground creation is where a maximum of three children can be harnessed into seats from a carousel and this enables them to spin excitedly in the air, a bit like a mini merry-go-round. Other imaginative and creative play equipment for the children include devices that make a noise from sensors, tactile surfaces created for children to touch them, a little pioneer cottage with a play kitchen, veranda and ramp, rope climbing for exercising the children's limbs, old fashioned swings, a hammock for relaxation, a shaking rock, equal access pathways, a wonderful sand pit with water play tables and lastly a sensory garden bed.
The whole family can have fun here or share in a mild revelry. The other facilities that cater to the visitors needs include a water bubbler, barbeque and two sheltered picnic tables as well as other tables and seats, a large sheltered area catering to about 25 people, a grassed open area for kicking the football ball around, a unisex toilet, carparking with four disabled parks while the whole recreation enclosure is fully safety fenced.
All of this helps to generate fun and great delight for children and caregivers. This park is unique, creative, innovative and a very welcomed resource for the town of Landsborough and no doubt will very quickly become a tourist attraction.