Quentin Kenihan Inclusive Playspace
Quentin Kenihan Inclusive Playspace, Adelaide SA
Image copyright © Realm Access 2026
Last month, Realm Access’s director had the pleasure of working on a project in beautiful Adelaide and while there, Sophia took the opportunity to visit the Quentin Kenihan Inclusive Playspace.
Many Australians, especially those over the age of 40, will remember Quentin. For those of you who don’t, Quentin Kenihan was a fantastic disability advocate, writer and actor. He passed away in 2018 but his legacy lives on and has been honoured by this unique and carefully considered playspace in the heart of Adelaide.
The Quentin Kenihan Inclusive Playspace is located in Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka, roughly 15 minutes’ walk from Rundle Mall. It was designed by Wax Design in collaboration with the City of Adelaide, and in 2024 was awarded an AILA SA Landscape Architecture award for playspaces – and rightly so! The playspace has an inviting, relaxed atmosphere and is clearly a treasured and well cared for playground.
The playspace includes a Swinging Garden, accessible carousel and trampolines.
Image copyright © Realm Access 2026
The top features that make this space fun, safe and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities include:
Wide paths with gentle gradients and accessible connections to all areas and play equipment.
The Sound Garden, which has a ring of musical instruments, including sculptural chimes, a xylophone and drum, as well as a communication board.
The Water Garden, which has an accessible water table with water flow controls and pumps located so everyone can use them.
The Swinging Garden, which provides a variety of swing seat types including a bird’s nest swing and a seat for toddlers.
Wheelchair-accessible play equipment including trampolines, an accessible ‘we-go’ swing, carousel, and ‘sway-fun’ glider. Importantly, these elements are designed so children can use the equipment together with friends, family, carers and other children, unlike traditional wheelchair-accessible equipment such as liberty swings which are for single users.
Accessible paths of travel link to each piece of play equipment.
Image copyright © Realm Access 2026
A number of amenities are provided to support people with disabilities and make it easier for families to stay and enjoy the space for as long as they wish, including:
An accessible sanitary facility and baby change table, a Changing Places facility, and a unisex ambulant toilet.
An abundance of shade, both natural shade from the park’s trees, and shade from the picnic shelter and shade sails.
Accessible furniture including seating with backrests and armrests and accessible BBQs.
Multiple power points for recharging electric wheelchairs and motorised mobility devices (we’ve published an article outlining why providing recharge stations is such a good idea – read more here).
The playspace honours Quentin’s love of his four-legged friends.
Image copyright © Realm Access 2026
We were impressed by the inclusion of more challenging elements that are not typically considered ‘accessible’ such as the climbing nets and ‘Q’s Challenge Track’ – a mini pump track. Nearby signage tells the story of how from the time Quentin got his first electric wheelchair at the age of 3, he loved racing it around pretending it was a souped-up car.
The sign also notes that alongside his wheelchair was often a four-legged companion and it was great to see consideration given to the importance of assistance animals and companion animals. Q’s Challenge Track was designed to be able to race your friends (furry or otherwise), and the playspace is fenced and provides a drinking fountain with an integrated dog bubbler.
To see more beautiful photos of the project, including bird’s eye views, we recommend visiting Wax Design’s website.
And if you would like assistance in ensuring your playspace is accessible for everyone, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Posted 1st March 2026