Revised Design - Miriam Park Playground Upgrade

Published on 09 February 2022

In early 2021, Council asked for feedback on a concept design for the Miriam Park Playground upgrade.

Following the feedback received, Council has revised the design to try and best respond to the range of comments received. 

UPDATED PLAYGROUND DESIGN

The play items in the revised design for Miriam Park playground cover a variety of play experiences, from dynamic to passive. The key items include:

  • Multi-play unit
  • Double swing
  • Junior play item (cubby)
  • Musical item 
  • Timber balance trail
  • Timber teepee
  • A loop path
  • Sandstone edging
  • Picnic table
  • Seating
  • Tree canopy

Click here to view the revised playground design(PDF, 691KB)

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Protection of existing trees 

  • An external arborist was engaged to provide an assessment on the playground design and construction methods. The updated design adheres to the recommendations to minimise any negative impact on the existing trees.
  • The location of the playground was carefully considered to minimise impact on the Blue Gums. In addition to the Blue Gums, the two existing Tallowwoods will be retained, and measures will be implemented to protect them during construction.
  • The playground will be elevated above the existing ground level to protect the tree feeder roots. Minimal excavation will be required, and a gravel drainage layer will be installed below the play mulch. This will provide the roots with aeration and continued access to surface moisture.
  • As the playground is raised to protect the tree feeder roots, edging is required for the playground and to any paths.
  • The northern section of the loop path and the double swing have been realigned to sit primarily outside the tree protection zones.
  • The loop path will be concrete as it provides a reduced construction footprint compared to asphalt, and greater longevity compared to crushed sandstone.
  • No trees will be removed as part of this upgrade.

Playground size

  • The size of the playground responds to the City of Ryde’s Children’s Play Plan, adopted by Council in 2019.  The Play Plan identifies an upgrade for Miriam Park playground from a ‘local level’ to a ‘neighbourhood level’ to cater for the increased density in the area.
  • The new playground will utilise the existing footprint of the current playground and extend north where there is less impact to trees and the flood risk zone (identified in the large, grassed area in the park).
  • Council’s Environment Team has been heavily involved throughout the design process to ensure that there is no impact on any significant vegetation within Miriam Park.

Heritage conservation/character of the park

  • As Miriam Park is located within a Heritage Conservation Area, Council engaged an external heritage consultant to prepare a Heritage Impact Statement for the proposed playground upgrade. Their assessment determined that the proposed playground would not impact on the character of the park or the Heritage Conservation Area.
  • The proposed playground responds to the aesthetic and character of the park with the inclusion of nature play spaces, play equipment and mulched play areas that are sympathetic to the feel of the park. 

Parking

  • The proposed playground does not include or allow for parking as it is not designed as a destination playground. As a ‘neighbourhood level’ playground in close proximity to West Ryde Town Centre, it is anticipated that the majority of users are from within the local area and will utilise the space for 1 – 2 hours. However, some on-street parking may also be available for the limited visitors driving to the playground.
NEXT STEPS

 The playground upgrade works are scheduled to commence in mid-2022. Prior to construction, Council will send a separate notification letter for the works.

Click here to view the past Have Your Say page