**4. Lions Park**

Lions Park is a small urban park located in Gladstone, Queensland, but in spite of its size, it is considered a revolutionary park for Australia, being one of the first intergenerational and therapeutic environments located within the public realm. It is an inclusive space that has been established for intergenerational socialisation and as a safe space for those with disabilities. Building from the evidence that a strong link exists between the natural environment and improved health and well-being, these spaces provide moments of relaxation, social interaction and physical activity [31]. The park is a destination for locals and it also acts as a thoroughfare between the commercial zone, suburbs and natural environment. The Leonardo Da Vinci inspired playspace incorporates sensory features that can accommodate children and adults with disabilities. The designer, Playscape Creations, worked closely with local communities and those with impairments to create a space that accommodates a diverse range of needs [32]. Due to the urban location, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) design principles were used throughout the entire design to enhance active and passive surveillance as well as making sure the park was a multi-use space. The increased surveillance also minimises the complexity of maintenance and ensures the park features last longer [32].

The form of the park is inspired by Da Vinci's cogs of interaction. The cogs create islands of play and recreation linked together with wide wheelchair-friendly paths and tactile water features. Each cog is unique with special elements that engage, inspire, and incorporate user preferences for each impairment. For example, those with sensory processing disorders like to spin and swing, but also enjoy shared play and like spaces to hide away in and just observe from. Those with auditory processing disorders engage well with tactile and visual elements but prefer less busy spaces and bold signage. Those with visual impairments are especially sensitive to light so

#### *Therapeutic Landscapes: A Natural Weaving of Culture, Health and Land DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.99272*

shade is needed along with tactile environments that offer a contrast for navigation. Those with Down syndrome require muscle stimulating equipment, individual and group play opportunities and vestibular play elements. Those with autism can be sensitive to change, so enjoy tactile mapping and colour coding, as well as repetitive play equipment and spaces they can hide away in. For muscular dystrophy, spaces are required to provide shelter from light and heat and have a handhold that can be used with a closed fist. Those with cerebral palsy need rest spaces, handholds that can be used with a closed fist and tactile interactive panels. To accommodate spina bifida, wide wheelchair friendly pathways and transfer points to get on equipment are necessary but also are places for social rest.

Cog one is the entry node at the beginning of the park, which also contains the car park. The purpose of this area is predominantly a gathering space with arranged seating and shelter. From there, the user can move through into the body of the park. Cog two is the linking cog and social hub, connecting either to the nature cog and action cog or the commercial zone cog. In cog three, there is play equipment, informal water play, soft fall mats, turf, and walls that are intended to double as informal seating and shelters. Cog four is the swing, spin and discovery zone and a five-way swing stands in the centre. The play zone is enclosed by a dense vegetation buffer due to its proximity to the road. Cog five is an informal cog dedicated to nature play and exploration play (**Figure 3**). Activities are less structured in this area and there is more opportunity for imagination to take control [33].

In Lions park, play elements and natural features are thereby designed for all of the seven senses; hearing, sight, smell, touch, vestibular and proprioception. Specific play equipment has been included in the design of the playgrounds to ensure that users of all abilities have been included. These play elements include tactile water features for formal and informal water play, small and large shades for those with heat and light sensitivity, safe havens and small hideaways for those who want to escape, hand hold-on equipment that can be used with a closed fist for those who have limited grip, and spinning and full-body vestibular play features. In addition, consideration has been given to stimulating cognitive, social, psychological and physical senses while in the act of playing on a playground [34]. This playground accommodates a variety of bodily movements that stimulate the mind and body in much the same way as the activity of gardening.

**Figure 3.** *Lions park and the different cog areas.*
