A new Sensory Playground is open at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead as part of the Stage 2 Redevelopment.
The new playground is designed to engage the imaginations of children of all abilities and ages through touch, sound and visual elements.
The playground includes accessible play equipment, pathways and seating areas to support children and young people with diverse abilities and mobility aids.
Delivered by Kane Constructions, the playground was developed in consultation with parent groups, clinicians, and members of the local aboriginal community to ensure the design complements the local environment.
Health Infrastructure Executive Director Northern Region, Leisa Rathborne, said collaboration with the local community, staff and patient families is fundamental to the redevelopment project, to ensure buildings and outdoor spaces are delivered that can be enjoyed by everyone and meet future health service demands.
“We are proud to deliver a play area that will bring joy to patients of all abilities, and a space that can be used beyond play and exploration – for therapeutic and physical therapy sessions,” Ms Rathborne said.
Work on a second playground with swings and balancing animals is scheduled to begin later this year, to accompany the Sensory Playground.
The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Stage 2 Redevelopment is expected to be completed by 2025. It includes the construction of a paediatric services building, multi-storey car park, the refurbishment of existing parts of the hospital and a revitalised forecourt.
The project is delivered in partnership between Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and Health Infrastracture.