AMazing Space @ Federation

AMazing Space @ Federation is not your traditional playground. It opened on the 4th of July and was built through a joint venture with the State Government and Maroondah Council. They have created a play environment like no other we have ever seen for children of all ages and abilities.

It is based around the theme of the four elements - Earth, Water, Fire and Wind. There are four totem poles displaying these elements which are great for older children to climb on. These are placed in a circular maze created out of the brick paving for children to find their way to the centre. There are, for want of a better term, three swinging poles, which children can stand on and swing around on. There is a "music machine", a funny mirror, a boat sunken into the ground, complete with the sounds of a sailing ship on the high seas and a spiral sand pit.

There have been several seats installed, quite a few patches of grass (a lovely spot for picnics), Norfolk pines and bamboo thickets with animal sounds (produced via a sensor) along with many other plantings.

It is a park that ensures that your children will use their imagination ! I have a five and a 20 month old and both are completely at ease and in sheer joy each time we go over to the park.

There is plenty of rubberised surfaces for soft landings but watch out for the wooden "steps" that would be a hazard if your smaller child was unsupervised. Drawbacks - no fencing !! It is set back off the road, but adjoins a car park which can be quite busy. So, not great for your wandering toddler. Also, if you have a child who is prone to wanting to go to the toilet each time you go out, the only access to the toilets is during the operating hours of Federation Estate - generally 9 - 5 pm weekdays and 12 - 4 on Saturdays.

I would recommend anyone going along and having a look. It is difficult to compare it to other parks, and it won't be for everyone, but my children love it. As too do most of the children and parents in our neighbourhood.