After a long break from writing about accessible and inclusive playgrounds, its been wonderful to find two play spaces in the Blue Mountains that I am excited to share. After visiting Wentworth Falls Park accessible and inclusive playground we stopped in at Glenbrook Park where there is also a lovely accessible and inclusive play space. It’s just another reason to take a day trip, or book a weekend away, to the beautiful Blue Mountains region.
Glenbrook Park – accessible & inclusive playground Blue Mountains
Located just 55 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, Glenbrook Park is a great spot to stop to break up the drive when heading to the heart of the Blue Mountains. When we arrive at Glenbrook, I always feel a shift in my mood. It’s where I feel I’ve left the busyness of the city behind and where I get my first hit of the fresh and crisp Blue Mountains’ air that makes me immediately feel healthier.
And now that Glenbrook Park has had a makeover it’s even more of a drawcard for visitors looking for an accessible and inclusive Blue Mountains playground.
Glenbrook Park is fenced and offers a lovely range of accessible features including several swing options. A basket swing, a higher backed swing with harness (see below) and Jenn Swings (orange swings) offer more support than traditional swing seats. At Glenbrook Park this equipment allows children with higher support needs to enjoy side by side play with their peers.
A dual seated flying-fox offers a traditional disc seat on one side, and a high backed harness seat on the other.
In-ground trampolines are fun for all and allow wheelchair users to bounce, with assistance, while remaining in their chair. We tried an in-ground trampoline with Braeden at another park several years ago and he absolutely loved it. They provide a much safer option for all children and can be used in a sitting position for anyone who is less physically confident.
Pathways and soft fall ground covering link the various areas within Glenbrook Park ensuring easy access to the play equipment. Musical instruments, water play and sensory elements have all taken into consideration wheelchair users with the height of the features appropriate for these visitors.
Accessible tables and barbecues allow room for a wheelchair user to access the facilities.
While we love a good barbecue, we are also regulars at Wentworth Bakery which is just across the road from the park. The bakery is wheelchair accessible and offers a wonderful array of delicious pies, sausage rolls, quiches (vegetarian options are available) and sweet treats. We usually bring a stash home for the freezer too.
A Changing Places style bathroom is located at Glenbrook Park and offers an adult-size change table, ceiling hoist and a toilet with back rest. The bathroom is narrow compared to many I have seen but its wonderful to see the hoist and adult-change table available, both for visitors to the park and also for travellers passing by that need the facilities. The bathroom is located just off the main road behind the Visitor Information Centre so it’s convenient for those road tripping.
Numerous accessible parking bays are located in front of the park and toilet block but this area does get busy so you may need to be patient at peak times.
The Blue Mountains region has always had a special place in my heart. It is where many wonderful childhood memories were made for me, so I’m absolutely thrilled to see the strides the region is making in regards to access and inclusion.
If you are visiting the Blue Mountains, make sure you check out our Blue Mountains accessible guide.
If you missed our review of Wentworth Falls Lake Park accessible playground, you can catch up here.
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