Braille signage added to playground

The signage is in addition to other adaptations made in the Dinosaur Park earlier in the year, completing the first ‘training site’ for children with vision impairment in a WA council playground.

This training site provides a safer environment for people with vision impairment to explore, bringing about greater confidence and skill development.

“The City of Wanneroo believes in accessibility for all, and these improvements give our young residents – of all abilities – the opportunity to have fun at the Dinosaur Park,” Mayor Tracey Roberts said.

“Children who are vision impaired can now play in the space through the clever use of Braille, texture and brightly coloured equipment.”

The Braille writing includes each letter of the alphabet and sits alongside the English translation, giving those in the playground the chance to feel out the Braille letters and discover the corresponding vowel or consonant.

The idea for the upgrade to the park came from local resident Nancy Wilkes, who suggested the improvements after her vision-impaired daughter Mia used the playground.

“The Dinosaur Park was where Mia started her therapy and because of these upgrades it has made accessing the playground so much easier and enjoyable,” Ms Wilkes said.

“We are so happy that this park will raise awareness regarding blindness and low vision… plus it looks absolutely amazing!

“We cannot thank Mayor Roberts, and everyone involved in this project enough, as it is helping us to realise the dream that everyone with all abilities can access in the community, in a safe and fun way,” she continued.

The installation opens alongside other sensory measures in the play area, which have been put in place over the past 12 months. These include tactile indicators and the painting of parts of the park to encourage children of all abilities to explore the space.

Pathways and the bridge within the Dinosaur Park now have sensory surfaces and directional pavers, while the tree logs in the playground have been painted in bright primary colours to assist those with vision impairment. The wooden decking area has also had textured lines and patterns added to indicate different spaces.

The City worked in partnership with Senses Australia to upgrade the Dinosaur Park play space, as part of the City’s commitment to improving access to its facilities and parks.