Long Beach Reserve Playground

We're making it easier for every kid to enjoy this wonderful beachside playground by installing more fun and accessible play equipment.

Work starts Monday 4 May 2026. The new play equipment is expected to be fully installed by early June. The rest of the playground will remain open.

We will also install new soft rubber surfaces, a new fence and pathway as well as scramble boulders.

Let's chat!

We are working with Variety Tasmania on new chat boards.

The idea was inspired by Hobart Children's Lord Mayor Noah Dobson, who wants to introduce chat boards across Hobart for people who use non-verbal communication.

Playtime for all

The new play equipment consists of a Universal Carousel and Smooth Glider, as well as a 5-way Swing.

Up, up and away: The 5-way Swing will have you flying high, almost touching feet in the middle. Great for developing balance, coordination and socialising.

Ahoy me hearties: Set sail in our new Smooth Ship Glider, designed for a small pirate crew, it has plenty of space for a wheelchair.

All aboard: Take a spin on the Universal Carousel. It's ground-level design makes it accessible to everyone.

What's a chat board?

Communication or 'chat boards' are simple, visual tools that support people to communicate by pointing to pictures, symbols and words. They can help people who are non-verbal, have limited speech, or find communication difficult in certain situations.

Communication boards can support children learning language, people with disability, people with autism, those with temporary communication challenges and even visitors who speak different languages.

The board allows the individual to point to symbols to express their thoughts and needs effectively, improving their ability to convey messages and communicate with others around them.

Communication boards in playgrounds offer numerous advantages, including:

Enhanced expression: The user can point to images or symbols, enabling them to express wants, needs and emotions clearly.
Independence: The user gains more autonomy in expressing themselves without relying solely on others to interpret their needs.
Reduced frustration: Communication boards can help minimise feelings of frustration that arise from misunderstandings or inability to communicate effectively.

By using images or symbols, these boards aid in:

Facilitating social interactions: Clearer expression of thoughts and feelings improves social understanding and relationships.
Supporting language development: Regular use of communication boards aids in learning to combine symbols and phrases, which can lead to improved verbal skills over time.

How to use a chat board

These boards support communication with children and adults who use picture symbols to communicate.

Move close to the board so you can see the symbols and the words clearly:

Point to the symbols as you say a sentence. For example, "Let's GO and PLAY on the SWINGS".
Encourage the person to point to the symbols to show what they want to say.
Watch, listen and give time for responses.

Encourage others to use the board

The board has words for making choices, requesting an activity, sharing information about wants and needs, and having a great time with others.

Gallery

Location

Long Beach Reserve, Beach Road, Sandy Bay 7005 View Map

Skip to below map

Skip to above map