We recently upgraded Hays Paddock Playground in Kew East. 

We're thrilled to unveil this wonderful space, crafted in consultation with our community and designed to be enjoyed by children of all abilities. Following a major redevelopment, the new playground is now officially open for our community to enjoy.

On Saturday 17 August 2024, we celebrated the new playground with an official opening event.

History of Hays Paddock Playground

Hays Paddock Playground was originally opened in 1998 as one of Australia’s first ever all abilities playgrounds. It was a real trailblazer for its time, sparked by a community movement led by 2 local mothers who identified the need for a public playground where access and inclusivity for children of all abilities was at the forefront.

Inclusive features of the playground

This legacy lives on in the newly redeveloped playground. More than $2.7 million was invested for this iconic playground’s renewal, and the new play space continues to prioritise side-by-side play opportunities for all children.

Inclusive features you’ll find in the playground include:

• ramp access into and throughout the timber play unit suitable for children in wheelchairs
• an adult swing seat and a high-backed toddler swing seat for people with disability (similar to the previous playground)
• a new accessible carousel
• sand and water play zones designed with various features to cater for children with mobility challenges
• compic graphic communication boards throughout the playground
• better access throughout the entire playground space
• and more.

More information

This playground upgrade is part of our annual Playground Replacement Program. For more information about the program, visit our Upgrading Boroondara's playgrounds page.

If you have any questions about this project, please contact our Landscape and Design team at [email protected] or call (03) 9278 4444.