Our newest park is designed to help tiny people learn to scoot

The newest playground at Denman Prospect is set to become a haven for little people and their scooters with the inclusion of a Learn to Ride scooter track. 

The brand new Cravens Crossing Park is located on Matters Street, about 1km west of Denman Village Shops, and partly designed to meet the growing need for spaces for children to ride safely. The Learn to Ride scooter track is a relatively flat concreted area with sand-blasted line work to help kids learn to steer through curves and around corners.

Denman Prospect project manager Bridget Bence says riding scooters has become just as popular as bike riding in recent years.

“Parents love scooters because they’re compact, and for the physical development outcomes they offer,” Bridget says.

“Scooter riding can start as young as two-years-old and has many benefits including balance, coordination and strength … not to mention wearing your child out for bedtime!”

Children’s playgrounds have come a long way from towering metal slides and wooden seesaws, Bridget says.

“The technology and forethought put into modern day parks is astounding,” she says.

“There’s so much to consider – age appropriateness, safety and sustainability. The Cravens Crossing Park is no exception.”

The new park – which includes a modern playhouse with slide and plenty of room for shaded play – embraces the nature surrounding it.

“Nature play has also become hugely popular in early childhood spaces for its positive benefits for children’s development,” Bridget says.

“It can encourage creativity, problem solving and promote an inquisitive mind. Cravens Crossing Park provides the opportunity for children to explore organic elements that the park provides, including a mix of materials such as timber and natural rocks.”

Another unique feature of the park is its incorporation of musical elements.

The enclosed junior area (fully gated so kids can’t escape!) has design features that encourage children to explore and create music.

“Among the many benefits of music for children is its ability to develop language skills and improve the regulation of emotions,” Bridget says.

“Let them make all the music and noise outside while in a beautiful natural space and then take them home for quiet time.”

Safety is always a priority in Denman Prospect and the new Cravens Crossing Park has been reviewed by an independent playground auditor to meet the latest design and safety standards. The park is Denman Prospect’s second neighbourhood-level park, along with Ridgeline Park, and a community-level park planned for the Denman Village Precinct.

“Residents will be able to put the scooters in the car, grab a coffee from Denman Village Shops down the road, and head over to the new park to enjoy with their family,” Bridget says.

Cravens Crossing Park is now open in Denman Prospect.

While the park is now open for the community to enjoy, park-goers are encouraged to be mindful of the ongoing construction in the area.

Get directions and find out more here.