Campbelltown’s much-loved Koshigaya Park has undergone its biggest transformation in years. As part of a $2.5 million upgrade delivered for Campbelltown City Council, we were engaged to design, fabricate and install a striking new playspace centred on a giant origami crane — a tribute to the city’s 40-plus-year sister city relationship with Koshigaya, Japan.
From the concept design, steel fabrication, a night-time crane lift, and a full playground build-out, here’s how it came together, step by step.
Part 1: The Concept
Every great playspace begins with an idea, and this one started with a piece of paper.
During the concept phase, our design team in collaboration with the Campbelltown City Council team, took inspiration from Senbazuru, the Japanese tradition of folding a thousand origami cranes. In Japanese culture, the crane stands for longevity, happiness, and good fortune, making it a perfect symbol for a play structure that celebrates Koshigaya’s long friendship with Campbelltown.
The crane’s shape was used as a direct guide for the play structure. The wings became ramps and platforms, and the body became a climbing feature. From the sketches and visual renderings to the 3D modelling, the crane refined into a structure that included a slide, climbing nets, jungle ropes, and other play elements.
Part 2: The Fabrication
With the design locked in, it was off to the fabrication yard. Raw steel sections were laid out, measured, and pieced together into the crane’s angular skeleton, with an overhead monorail crane lifting and positioning the heavier steel members as the frame took shape.
Part 3: The Crane Installation
Once fabrication was complete, the crane was transported to site. Delivery took place at night to reduce disruption to the public. The structure was lifted by crane and guided into position by our site team.
Part 4: The Playground
With the crane installed, our team moved onto the construction of the surrounding playspace. Shade sails were erected, custom soft-fall rubber surfacing was poured, and the crane, climbing nets, rope crossings and swing points came together. Beyond the crane itself, the wider playground took shape with new picnic shelters, freshly planted garden beds, new turf, and additional play equipment.
Part 5: The Completion
The final milestone in the Koshigaya Park playspace construction was the day the fences came down, and the park was handed back to the families of Campbelltown. In addition to being a wonderful space for local families and visitors alike, it is a beautiful celebration of a 40-year friendship between Campbelltown and Koshigaya.
Stay tuned for Part 5 of our Koshigaya Park series.
Some Fast Facts About The koshigaya park Playspace:
- Inspired by the Senbazuru, 1000 cranes concept, the crane symbolises harmony and longevity.
- The play structure is designed for older children, providing a challenging and engaging play experience often underrepresented in playground design.
- The cherry blossom tree concept represents seasonal change and community gathering.
- The water ripple pattern you can see in the softfall, represents calmness and continuity.
- The Koshigaya daruma doll you can see represented in the park is a Japanese symbol of good luck and prosperity.
- Twenty cherry blossom trees now stand among the play equipment, marking the seasons in a park built to celebrate connection, culture and play.
