FAIRWAYS PARK- KENSINGTON GROVE

Play Your Way

Touch, climb, roll, ride and play your way through a recreational area designed for everyone’s enjoyment at Fairways Park in Kensington Grove.

Nestled in the picturesque Lockyer Valley just one hour’s drive west of Brisbane’s CBD, this 14-hectare open parkland offers an inclusive play space abounding in rich sensory experiences and catering to a wide range of ages and abilities. Come and have some fun in the state-of-the-art all-abilities playground, enjoy a picnic in the peaceful park bushland, or connect with family and friends as you kick a footy or enjoy a casual round of cricket in the surrounding greenspace. Whether you’re eager to get active or simply looking to spend some time socialising, Fairways Park offers an inclusive destination that allows you to immerse your senses in nature and embrace a healthy lifestyle.

Developed by the Lockyer Valley Regional Council, with extensive community consultation, Stage 1 of the ongoing Fairways Park project was completed in 2021. It was made possible through joint funding from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, and the Queensland Government’s Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package. This collaborative approach enabled the creation of an accessible and inclusive space catering to the needs of this growing community and visitors alike.

The play area itself is segmented into distinct play nodes designed to cater for a range of ages and abilities, with sensory discovery opportunities weaved throughout each play space. Multi-sensory elements ignite the imagination, inviting curious minds to touch and explore through the use of sound, sight and smell.

Keep listening to learn more about all that’s on offer at Fairways Park.

The Junior Zone

The Junior Play Zone is sure to captivate and delight the younger members of the family, inviting them on an unforgettable, fun-filled journey of exploration and discovery. It’s brimming with physical, social, cognitive and creative play experiences, which parents and caregivers are also sure to appreciate.

Feel the satisfying grainy texture of sand slipping between your fingers and unleash your constructive creativity at the sand and water tower. Feel the exhilarating thrill of a ride on the inclusive spinner, or unearth hidden treasures in the fossil dig area. Let your imagination run wild on the play equipment, or be soothed by the steady motion of swinging the day away.

The Junior Zone is encircled by a dry creek bed, perfect for nature-based play and discovery.

Sit back, relax and listen to the sound of pure joy as your little ones play, explore and discover in this peaceful and inclusive play space created just for them. Or be actively involved in their outdoor adventures, accompanying them on a delightful excursion into a wonderland of boundless curiosity and buzzing energy.

The Majestic Tower

Perched in an elevated position overlooking the parklands is the bespoke white Majestic Tower – an irresistible challenge for the bigger kids! This striking, 7-metre-high centrepiece is sure to have instant appeal to anyone with a keen sense of adventure.

This physical challenge begins as kids reach the track ride -a mini cycle path with give way and stop signs. This leads to the Agility Trail, where their balance skills will be put to the test by the obstacles of the Climbing Challenge. Once they’ve succeeded in reaching the tower’s platform, they can climb into the first viewing pod before adventuring their way over the rope bridge to the second adjoining tower. While crossing the rope bridge, intrepid adventurers will be treated to a 360 degree view out across the landscape of the parkland and surrounding bush vegetation.

From the second tower you can experience the thrill of the fast slide to the bottom of the embankment, where you can run back up and do it all again!

Connecting pathways lined with sensory lights and talking tubes weave a web of discovery throughout the parklands, creating a fun backdrop of sights and sounds. The whimsical sound of wind chimes blows on the breeze, adding a calming, magical ambience to the playground. The renditions of junior musical maestros in the making may also be heard, as children and parents explore rhythm and sound on the nearby slapped pipes.

Sensory gardens planted throughout the playground beckon you to take time to explore with your sense of smell, while the entire parkland invites you to slow down and immerse your senses in the natural surrounds.

The Surrounding Green Space

Surrounding the action-packed playground is an expansive green space perfect for picnicking or playing ball games.

Here you’ll find plenty of space to retreat to your own peaceful pocket of nature, immersed in the tranquillity of the surrounding bushland. Spread out a picnic rug and bask in the sunshine and serenity of the parkland, or gather with friends or family to relax, reconnect and make the most of the great outdoors.

Your furry family members are also most welcome to join in the fun. A designated off-leash area ensures they have their own special zone to romp, run and play. The surrounding walkways also provide ample opportunities for those craving some on-leash exercise.

Fairways Park really is the ideal space for outdoor adventures the whole family can enjoy.

Accessibility

Fairways Park is located at Kensington Grove near Hattonvale in the beautiful Lockyer Valley. It’s nestled approximately halfway between the Queensland capital city of Brisbane and the inland city of Toowoomba. While there is no public transport available to the park, it’s convenient location just off the Warrego Highway makes it easily accessible to those taking a road trip, self-driving or utilising private transport options.

The parklands themselves are all on one level and are designed to be wheelchair accessible. As outlined above, several pieces of play equipment have also been designed to be enjoyed by wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Accessible parking spaces are located near the entrance on Stirling Drive, approximately 500 metres further along from Harwood Street. Accessible bathroom facilities with braille signage are available near this carpark.

While the park has been designed with accessibility in mind, please note that the rope bridge located within the playground area is not accessible for wheelchair users. Depending on individual access needs, soft fall surfaces may also pose access challenges for some visitors. Please also note that walkway bridges do not have handrails.

Registered service animals as well as domestic pets are welcome at the park. Handlers, please note there is an off-leash dog area within the parkland, south of the track-ride area.