Ash Barty Playground - A Grand Slam Win for Springfield Families and Landscapers Alike.

2025

Nestled within the leafy surrounds of Brookwater, a dynamic new play space is serving up more than just fun—it’s inspiring a whole new generation to get active outdoors. The Ash Barty Playground at Opossum Creek Parklands is not only a tribute to a sporting icon but a showcase of thoughtful, imaginative landscaping by The Landscape Construction Company (TLCC).

Opened with fanfare by Ash Barty herself alongside Queensland’s Sport Minister Tim Mander, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding and local councillors, the park is a celebration of local pride, elite achievement and community wellbeing. But behind the playful swings and looping tennis ball pathways lies a considered, expertly executed landscaping project that demonstrates the power of place-making through design.

A Playground That Reflects Its Namesake
Rather than accepting a statue in her honour, Ash Barty requested something far more meaningful: a playground that would give back to her community. The result is a tennis-themed wonderland that features a painted half-court and rebound wall, perfect for budding athletes to dream big while enjoying active, healthy play.

From above, the creative design reveals a giant tennis ball formed by looping, connected concrete paths—a subtle but powerful nod to Barty’s career. But the real impact is on the ground, where local families now have a space that encourages physical activity, exploration and community gathering.

Landscaping Excellence Behind the Scenes
Leading the transformation was The Landscape Construction Company—a proud Landscape Queensland member—bringing to life the vision of GXN Outdoors and Urban Play through innovative landscape delivery and exceptional project management.

“This wasn’t just about laying turf and installing play equipment,” said Andrew Bottomley, Managing Director of TLCC. “We wanted to create a space that would not only honour Ash Barty’s legacy but also enhance the natural landscape and invite kids into a playful, active environment. There’s a real sense of movement and energy in the design and we worked hard to make sure that translated in every detail.”

The playground incorporates soft fall surfacing, inclusive and accessible play features, shaded picnic zones and planting that blends seamlessly with the existing parklands. TLCC also took special care in aligning the finished landscaping with the park’s. environmental setting, preserving open space and enhancing visibility for family safety and supervision

Community-First Construction
Local engagement was a key component throughout the build. TLCC collaborated closely with Ipswich City Council, community stakeholders and the design team to ensure the final product met both functional and aspirational goals.

“There’s a unique responsibility when you’re building something with someone like Ash Barty’s name on it,” Andrew Bottomley noted. “It had to be done with authenticity, care and a strong sense of purpose—and we’re incredibly proud of how it turned out.”

The final result speaks volumes. From the resilient surface finishes to the colourful play elements and naturalistic landscaping, every inch of the Ash Barty Playground feels intentional and welcoming.

Award-Winning Potential
Already, the playground is turning heads—not only with local families but within the broader landscape and recreation sector. The project has been submitted for consideration in the 2025 Parks & Leisure Australia (QLD) Awards, in recognition of its innovation, community impact and excellence in landscape construction.

This aligns with a growing trend across Queensland: rethinking public spaces to make them more inclusive, inspired and interactive. In this way, the Ash Barty Playground sets a new standard for how recreational spaces can celebrate local heroes while delivering lasting social value.

A Grand Slam for Landscape Construction
For TLCC, Opossum Park represents more than just a project—it’s a statement about what landscape contractors can achieve when imagination, expertise and community values converge.

“It’s one of those rare jobs where everything clicks,” said Bottomley. “From the start, we had a client and a community who were deeply invested in making something special. As landscapers, it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of that.”

A Must-Visit Destination
Located at Scoparia Drive in Brookwater, the Ash Barty Playground is now a highlight of Springfield’s outdoor offerings. Whether you’re a tennis enthusiast, a parent looking for an afternoon adventure, or a landscape professional keen to see best practice in action, this is one park that deserves a place on your to-do list.

For Landscape Queensland, it’s also a celebration of what the profession stands for—creating spaces that connect people, celebrate stories and shape environments for the better.