Left: Vision Australia School prep student Naomi Mackinnon enjoys one of the musical installations at the City of Casey’s new Sensory Adventure Trail in Ray Bastin Reserve.THE City of Casey’s first Sensory Adventure Trail has been officially opened.
Mayor Kevin Bradford and Springfield Ward councillor Lorraine Wreford officially unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion at Ray Bastin Reserve in Narre Warren.
Cr Bradford said the Sensory Adventure Trail was designed to be enjoyed by children and adults of all abilities and would promote exploration, curiosity, challenge, sensory experiences, relaxation, stimulation and learning.
“The proposal for the Sensory Adventure Trail was born out of the recognition that 75 per cent of people with a disability residing in Casey have a physical condition which can limit their activity at Casey’s existing playgrounds,” he said.
The Sensory Adventure trail is designed to stimulate the senses and incorporates:
PATHS made of alternative surfaces, such as granitic sand and concrete, to stimulate individuals in wheelchairs and children in prams;
GARDENS consisting of a variety of tactile and fragrant plant species.
FOUR interactive panels that provide auditory, visual and tactile stimulation.
FAMILY-friendly seating.
SIGNAGE with Braille to assist individuals to interact with the fragrant and tactile plants within the five themes of the trail – coastal, Australian, succulent, wetlands and scented.
The concepts, design and construction of the Sensory Adventure Trail was a collaborative effort among council’s parks services team, leisure planners and the access for all abilities officers with assistance from construction contractors.
The trail is located at Ray Bastin Reserve and will complement the existing accessible infrastructure at the reserve, including the Liberty Swing and accessible toilet.
Ray Bastin Reserve is home to Casey’s award-winning regional adventure playground and boasts a skate park, picnic and barbecue facilities, paths, passive open space, shade and on-site car parking.
