Public parks and playgrounds are designed to provide fun and healthy leisure activities for the whole community. But recent research, both here and overseas, shows that women and girls often feel left out.
Whether it’s because they feel uncomfortable ‘competing’ in spaces often seen as ‘boy’s zones’ or they’re subject to teasing and harassment, we’d argue that it’s essential play areas are welcoming for all.
It’s this philosophy that led us to develop our Modular Pumptracks: fun, safe playspaces designed for all wheels, all ages, all abilities – all people!
The Challenge: Why are women and girls less likely to take part in public play?
We found a few key issues when looking into why women and girls felt there were barriers to participation.
Girls are often concerned with personal safety. Poor lighting, lack of surveillance, and isolated locations can sometimes deter girls and women from using public play areas.
Skate parks and similar venues are frequently seen as ‘boy’s zones,’ fostering an intimidating atmosphere for girls. A study by Plan International found that 75% of girls avoid public spaces due to fear of harassment or exclusion.
Many play areas cater to high-skill, risk-taking users, leaving out diverse users, and people with different abilities and skill levels. A lack of seating, shaded areas, and designated inclusive spaces further limits accessibility.
How Parkitect Australia’s Modular Pumptracks encourage girls to play
Effective playspace design is both welcoming and inclusive.
Our Modular Pumptracks are made to be fun for everyone – whether you’re on a bike, scooter or skateboard. With tracks that suit all skill levels, beginners can gain confidence while minimising the risk of injury. And because they’re modular, tracks can be easily reconfigured or moved to fit community programs that encourage female participation.
Beyond being a fun place to ride, our pump tracks offer some great benefits for girls.
Shaun Leicester, owner of Parkitect Australia, explains:
“Girls seem to really ‘get’ the one-direction riding style that works with our tracks. We’ve noticed that as girls take on challenges and master new skills – especially when riding skateboards – their self-esteem gets a real boost.”
“We’re also excited to see how the tracks encourage girls to get active, promoting their physical health and supporting gender equity in sports. Plus, the tracks serve as social spaces where girls can connect, make friends, and just enjoy having fun together.”
Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities: Her Way Program
In Australia, the Safer Cities: Her Way program, an initiative of Transport for NSW, aims to create safer, more inclusive public spaces and encourage physical activity and social engagement among women and girls.
The program helps councils design gender-inclusive spaces by:
- Improving safety perceptions in public spaces for women and girls
- Enabling women and girls to move freely and independently within the community
- Increasing female engagement in the design and management of public spaces
By encouraging community input and monitoring how spaces are used, the program ensures lasting improvements.
Celebrating an inclusive playspace project at Gillies Reserve Lakemba NSW
In 2023, the City of Canterbury Bankstown was one of ten local council areas selected to take part in the Safer Cities: Her Way program. With $1 million in funding, the council partnered with Transport for NSW to deliver temporary activations across Lakemba Town Centre. These activation areas include the Women’s Rest Centre, the train station precinct and Gillies Reserve.
Parkitect Australia was proud to be part of this initiative, supplying a Classic Edition Speed Ring Modular Pumptrack for Gillies Reserve, Lakemba. Designed for durability and flexibility, the track offers an excellent solution for promoting equitable play opportunities.
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek spoke about how locals have already embraced the new additions around Lakemba.
“These activations have been a great way to brighten up the area while involving women in the design of our community spaces,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“Women have the right to feel safe and move freely, no matter what time of the day or night.” [read more here]
Transport for NSW’s Executive Director of Cities Revitalisation and Place, Brooke Wharton said: “We’re excited to partner with the Council on the Safer Cities: Her Way program in Lakemba Town Centre. By enhancing key public and community spaces such as the Women’s Rest Centre, Lakemba Railway Station, and Gillies Reserve, we aim to help make these places feel safer and foster stronger connections between our local transport hub precincts and the community.”
Addressing barriers to play for women and girls requires a collaborative approach and thoughtful design. Initiatives like Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities: Her Way program are pivotal in supporting the whole community.
Parkitect’s Modular Pumptracks provide an adaptable, accessible solution, helping councils and urban planners create engaging, inclusive play spaces for everyone.
Read more about the Gillies Reserve project here.
Contact Parkitect Australia to discuss the best pump track solution for your next project. ride@parkitect.com.au
