Slippery slides still a favourite for kids!:

The research was conducted by Stockland who are building a new 6,800 square metre park – the size of a football field - at their 530-lot Brooks Reach residential community at Horsley in the Illawarra.

Thanks to the ideas and feedback from Dapto Public School students, the park will include many different elements including a three-metre high, seven-metre long ‘Tower Slide’; a large circular ‘Bird’s Nest Swing’; and a spinning ‘Supernova’ carousel-like ride.

Professor Karen Malone from the Centre for Educational Research, University of Western Sydney and Chair of the Child Friendly Asia-Pacific network, led the research for Stockland.

She said the top five things the children wanted from their playground were:

1. Secret and shady places for cubby building

2. Thrill seeking

3. A play space where they could create their own space

4. A place that promotes learning / A place that keeps and protects nature

5. A place where we can create communities

Professor Malone said the top findings represented the things children often request in play spaces around the world.

“This feedback from the kids means that Stockland is now able to create a playground that gives kids all the things they want and dreamed of – a chance to be imaginative, explore, test their limits, learn and laugh with their friends,” she said.

“It’s great that Stockland actively looked to get the community involved in this way. It is not something that happens every day and I’m sure the result will be terrific.”

We’re on the hunt for Australia’s best children parks. Tell us which park is your favourite and why below…