Toowoomba East State School

When Toowoomba East State School approached Everything Outside, they had a clear vision: create an exciting destination play space that every student could enjoy.

The centrepiece of the project was an elevated treehouse nestled amongst one of the school’s beautiful mature trees. The challenge was ensuring students using wheelchairs could access the experience independently, while still providing the excitement, challenge, and adventure that engages the broader school community.

Turning Accessibility into Adventure

Providing access to the treehouse required a significant level change to be overcome. Rather than treating accessibility as a separate requirement, we used it as the foundation of the design.

A long, wheelchair-accessible ramp was carefully integrated into the play space, creating a journey rather than simply a pathway. As students make their way towards the treehouse, they experience changing views, opportunities for social interaction, and a sense of anticipation that builds as they approach the destination.

At every point of the design and construction process, the question was asked “Can a child in a wheelchair access this alongside their friends?” This approach kept the whole team focussed on accessibility – ensuring a wheelchair could access the dry-river bed, the bridge, the conveyer belt, tinker table and more.

The Challenge

One of the biggest challenges in inclusive playground design is creating spaces that are accessible without losing a sense of adventure.

At Toowoomba East State School, accessibility was balanced with a variety of play opportunities that encourage exploration, physical activity, imagination, and problem-solving. Students can choose their own level of challenge while remaining connected within the same play environment.

This approach ensures the space appeals to a wide range of ages, abilities, and interests, supporting both active play and social connection.

Creating Belonging Through Design

Everything Outside is clear that inclusive play is about more than physical access. It’s about ensuring every student feels part of the experience.

By enabling wheelchair users to independently reach and enjoy the treehouse, dry-river bed, bridge, tinker table …  alongside their peers, the project helps foster connection, confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging within the school community.

Stunning outcomes

• Wheelchair-accessible elevated treehouse experience
• Inclusive play opportunities for students of all abilities
• Challenging and engaging play experiences for the wider student population
• Increased opportunities for social interaction and connection
• Integration with existing mature trees and landscape features
• A unique destination play space that reflects the school’s commitment to inclusion

At Everything Outside, we believe accessibility and adventure should go hand in hand. The Toowoomba East State School project demonstrates how thoughtful design can create play experiences that bring an entire school community together.