Sustainability at the centre of Ruth Park Playground
Welcome to the Ruth Park Playground! A vibrant and exciting space that has captured the Coombs community's imagination. Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, Yvette Berry, officially opened the new playground on 27 October 2023.
After extensive community engagement and input in late 2019, construction for this remarkable park commenced in mid-2021. The dedicated 18-month period of planning has resulted in a playground that has become the heart of the Coombs community.
Strategically located adjacent to Holdens Creek Pond on Edgeworth Parade, this playground offers an idyllic setting for recreational activities.
The playground is named after Rosina Ruth Lucia Park AM. Recognised for her outstanding contributions to the literary field, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1987. The playground bearing her name stands as a testament to her legacy and commitment to literary excellence.
With its careful planning, community engagement, and dedication to creating an inclusive and engaging space, the Ruth Park Playground is not only a cherished destination for the Coombs community but a marker for how to build sustainable recreational spaces.
A playground boasting sustainable credentials
Recycled glass
Recycled glass was used in the P1 concrete pavements, with a total of 3 tonnes of recycled glass utilised. This translates to approximately 3 kilograms per square metre. The recycled glass used in the pavements comes from bottles, windscreens, and windows, making it a 100% recycled material.
Softfall rubber
For the softfall area, approximately 60 cubic metres of recycled rubber was incorporated. This type of installation uses approximately 80% recycled rubber, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly option. Rubaroc, a proud participant in the recycling and reclamation supply chain for discarded tires, provides an alternative to virgin rubber. The rubber mesh they use is a flexible and durable material created by weaving together rubber fibres. This solution offers an excellent way to recycle and benefit the environment by repurposing used tires and removing the steel components.
Concrete recycling
587 square metres of asphalt concrete (AC) was removed from the site and sent for recycling at CCR, amounting to approximately 47 tonnes. Additionally, around 5 cubic metres of concrete was also recycled at CCR.
Smart soil use
The topsoil from the site, measuring 1,217 cubic metres, was stripped, improved, and reused onsite for grassing and garden beds. Instead of removing the existing topsoil and importing new soil, the team stockpiled it and enhanced it with compost and fertilisers. This approach saved 700 cubic metres of soil (equivalent to approximately 70 truckloads) from being transported offsite and then brought back.
Recycled bollards
As part of the playground's installation, 76 Replas Bollards were installed. These bollards are made from recycled plastic, contributing to the diversion of plastic waste from landfills and oceans. They offer long-lasting benefits to customers and serve as an ethical alternative to traditional materials. With up to 90% recycled plastic content, these products use waste from various sources such as bins, bumper bars, and bottles.
Easier access
Accessibility was a key consideration in the playground's design to ensure it can be enjoyed by more people in our community. Despite being situated on a steep bank, the designers incorporated wheelchair-accessible paths starting from the car parks on Edgeworth Parade and throughout the entire playground. Additionally, there is a wheelchair-accessible spinner, and the swings are positioned above rubber softfall to enable wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility to access the swings easily.
Natural interactions
To enhance the natural play experience, the playground includes numerous recycled timber logs sourced from fallen trees. These logs are placed among the garden beds, allowing children to engage with the plants and trees as part of their play activities.
Shaded spaces
The playground boasts an extensive canopy with 275 trees of various species planted across an area of approximately 11,200 square metres. This equates to one tree for every 40 square metres, providing ample shade and contributing to a more environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing space.
