Your Kids OT
  • HOME
    • Telehealth OT >
      • Wheel Decide
    • Articles >
      • Activities of Daily Living
      • Technology for OT
      • Bilateral Coordination
      • Cognition and Concepts
      • Executive Functioning
      • Fine Motor Skills
      • Gross Motor Skills
      • Handwriting and Writing
      • Homemade >
        • Arts and Craft
        • Kids in the Kitchen
        • Christmas
      • Play
      • Sensory Modulation Skills
      • Social Emotional Learning and Regulation
      • Visual Perceptual Skills
    • YKOT You-Tube Library
    • Direct Therapy Services
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • About
    • Contact >
      • Contact
      • eNewsletter Subscription
  • HOME
    • Telehealth OT >
      • Wheel Decide
    • Articles >
      • Activities of Daily Living
      • Technology for OT
      • Bilateral Coordination
      • Cognition and Concepts
      • Executive Functioning
      • Fine Motor Skills
      • Gross Motor Skills
      • Handwriting and Writing
      • Homemade >
        • Arts and Craft
        • Kids in the Kitchen
        • Christmas
      • Play
      • Sensory Modulation Skills
      • Social Emotional Learning and Regulation
      • Visual Perceptual Skills
    • YKOT You-Tube Library
    • Direct Therapy Services
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • About
    • Contact >
      • Contact
      • eNewsletter Subscription

Accessibility Notes: Lake Parramatta

5/7/2015

7 Comments

 
Picture
There were two things that spurred me to write this post.  The first was a virtual conversation with Julie from "Have Wheelchair Will Travel" where we talking about wheelchair access to a "pop up event" in Sydney.  Sometimes a location may state "wheelchair accessible" and yet still have steps.  I am always conscious of wheelchair accessibility whenever I am out and about in Sydney or elsewhere.  This has always been an area of interest for me and if I had not specialised in Paediatrics, I think I would have gone down the path of home modifications and accessibility.  In previous jobs, I have loved helping families to find ways to make their homes more accessible.

The second was a conversation with a friend about a bush-walking {or hiking if you are in the Northern Hemisphere} track that was within 20 minutes of where I have lived most of my life that I just didn't know about. I was curious and excited to discover a local oasis!

Accessibility Notes {thanks OT mommy} will become a regular feature of Your Kids OT and will include my real experience with my "OT eye" when visiting places in Sydney and beyond. Accessibility Notes will include information about wheelchair access such as lifts, ramps, inclines, steps,  (which are applicable to prams and the elderly as well), disabled parking spots and disabled access toilets (which often house change tables). Information provided will be based on personal experience and will be accurate at time of printing. At this stage, Accessibility Notes will be limited to physical accessibility.

Lake Parramatta

Where?
Parramatta is situated approximately 24kms from the Sydney CBD.  Lake Parramatta can be found approximately 2km from the city of Parramatta.

By Road: Lake Parramatta is accessed by Bourke St, North Parramatta.  The entrance is within a series of residential streets and therefore "hidden" from general passing traffic. Directions to Lake Parramatta are well sign posted as you approach.

By Bus: Hills Bus Route #609 has regular buses travelling from Parramatta to Lake Parramatta (and return).

Cost?
Free entry every day of the year. 
Features
Lake Parramatta Reserve is a 60 hectare bushland and parkland reserve. The lake was Parramatta's water supply
until 1909, and the original function of the reserve was to protect its water quality. There is a dam wall located on the western side of the lake which was built in the 1850s. There are shelter caves, tree scares, hand stencils can be found in the reserve and are evidence of regular usage and occupation by the aboriginal Burramattagal clan. 

The parkland reserve includes a children's playground, cafe overlooking the lake, BBQs, sheltered tables, a designated swimming area, three walking trails, non-motorised boating facilities and free parking.

The car park is spread out over several sections.  There is a section beside the lake and then along a service road to the children's playground and just beyond.  I was pleased to see disability parking spots located beside the lake (2 parking spots), besides the children's playground (2 parking spots) and next to the toilet block (2 drop off disability parking spots).

The children's playground includes several animal sculptures, a climbing frame, slide, monkey bars, swings and a wheelchair "Liberty" swing. There are some sensory features including music making and a scavenger hunt to find various shapes.  The playground is not fenced.  

Picture

The toilet block is conveniently located across the service road from the children's playground.  There is a disabled access toilet which houses a baby change table.  Nothing to get too excited about here, however there was running water.

The cafe is accessed via stairs from the picnic area near the toilet block or via an accessible footpath from the car park near the lake. There are views of the lake from the cafe. 

From the car park located near the lake, there is a pavement that provides a short even walk around a small section of the lake towards the dam wall.  This is suitable for wheelchairs with slight variations in incline. This walkway provides uninterrupted views of the lake and includes several sheltered picnicking spots. Unfortunately the shelters themselves that lead off the path are not accessible as they are built up on concrete foundations. 

Picture
The designated swimming areas can be accessed from the main foot path down an unsealed walkway.  This is not wheelchair accessible.  Whilst the council are doing their best to maintain the water quality, the water did not look inviting for a swim!

There are three bush walking tracks that extend around the lake. Besides the paved section already mentioned, the other tracks are not wheelchair accessible.  The Lake Circuit is approximately 4.2km and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.  The Lake Circuit features uneven rocky paths, creek crossings on logs, inclines and descents, steps and maneuvering over fallen trees and rocks. Mr 5 and Miss 8 yrs enjoyed the bush walk and were able to complete it without adult help.  Younger kids will need help along some of the uneven surfaces and across the water ways. 
Picture
In the area around the car park, the noise from surrounding roads can be heard as a constant hum. As you begin to walk further around the lake, this recedes and you feel like you are in a natural oasis far from the suburbs.

The bush land reserve features a variety of fauna and flora as you walk around the lake.  Apparently in surveys undertaken in 1990 and 2001, there were 67 species of native birds, 12 species of reptile, 5 frog species and 13 native species of mammal, plus several exotic species of birds and mammals in the reserve.

Picture
Lake Parramatta may be a "hidden gem" for many, however it is well known by locals.  It is a popular spot for birthday parties and weddings.  We will certainly be back to enjoy this reserve again!

If you are looking for more information about accessibility around Sydney. I would highly recommend:
*Have Wheelchair Will Travel
* Sydney for all

I hope you have enjoyed the first "Accessibility Notes" article! I would love to hear your feedback or if you have other "hidden gems" that you think we should explore!


Have you visited Lake Parramatta?

Picture
Disclaimer: This article contains opinions and experiences personal to the writer and the writer accepts no responsibility if circumstances change or if others do not encounter the same facilities or features as described.

You may also like:

Picture
Picture
Picture

Your Kids OT © 2021, All Rights Reserved
ABN: 84803478584

AHPRA OT REGISTRATION # OCC 0001765196
www.yourkidsot.com

7 Comments
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile link
6/7/2015 04:22:22 am

What an absolutely beautiful spot!! Just gorgeous! How lucky are we to live in such a pretty country.

Reply
Cindy@ Your Kids OT link
6/7/2015 09:31:42 am

We are very lucky to live in such a beautiful country!

Reply
Ness link
6/7/2015 02:01:29 pm

I don't live very far from Parramatta, yet I haven't been there in years, which is shameful. I should really get out more. You might have just inspired me to visit this place again.

Reply
Cindy @ Your Kids OT link
7/7/2015 02:14:43 am

Definitely go! I felt a bit shameful that I hadn't visited this local gem! We will be back!

Reply
Mumma McD link
7/7/2015 01:38:31 am

Great review! I work in the disability space and always look at buildings and public spaces with an accessibility eye too. Sydney City Council just installed an awesome piece of inclusive play equipment, I'll find the link for you!
#TeamMM

Reply
Cindy @ Your Kids OT link
8/7/2015 01:42:42 am

Would love to read the link. Thanks!

Reply
Biswajit Sarkar link
22/12/2020 04:56:04 pm

Hi There,

I hope you’re fine.

I'm Biswajit S, Currently working with "GPP". I'm a blogger outreach service provider, since 2016 I am in online marketing field.

I'm providing High Quality Guest Post/Link Building & Article Writing services to all of my client's.

I've a great resource of high quality genuine blogs with various niche I can easily post your quality article/content in this high quality blogs at very reasonable rates.

You can see my top some blogs as a sample:

1* Cuny.edu (DA 85 PA 60)
2* Tgdaily.com (DA 75 PA 52)
3* Lerablog.org (DA 53 PA 54)
4* Buzzfeed.com (DA 93 PA 72)
5* Entrepreneur.com (DA 93 PA 67)

Kindly let me know if you have any requirements. I am looking forward to hear back from you.

Yours truly,
Biswajit S.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Hi, I'm Cindy and I am an Occupational Therapist. I enjoy working creatively with children to see them reach their potential. Read more about me here.

    Picture
    Picture
    SEARCH THIS SITE

    RSS Feed

    Picture

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014

    Categories

    All
    Acessibility Notes
    Alphabet
    Ask An OT
    Bilateral-coordination
    Bilateral-coordination
    Christmas
    Concepts And Cognition
    Easter
    Evidence Based Practice
    Fine Motor
    Freebie
    Functional Skills For Kids
    Giveaway
    Gross Motor
    Guest Blogger
    Handwriting And Writing
    Homemade
    Interoception
    Kids In The Kitchen
    Lego-challengee27c5a2753
    Meme
    Organisation
    Other
    Ot Profession
    OT Resources
    Pencil Grasp
    Play
    Printable
    Regulation
    Reviews
    Rewards And Motivation
    School
    Scissor Skills
    Self Help Skills
    Sensory
    Social Skills
    Visual-perception
    Visual-perception
    Website Spotlight
    Welcome
    World Ot Day
    YKOT Shop
    Your Kids Therapy Ideas

    Popular Posts

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Visit Your Kids OT's profile on Pinterest.

Join the YKOT e-newsletter!

Subscribe to get our latest content by email and receive

the SHAPE ROADS PRINTABLE NOW!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and receive your free printable!

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

Join our Mailing List!

Subscribe to get our latest content by email and receive

the SHAPE ROADS PRINTABLE NOW as a thankyou!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and receive your free printable!

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit
Disclaimer: The information on this site is general in nature and should be used for educational  and entertainment purposes. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions.  This blog does not replace formal therapeutic professional advice given by a health professional or medical practitioner.  Reviews and endorsements of products will only be made based on my expertise and personal opinion; and deemed worthy of such endorsement. The opinions shared in sponsored content will always be my own and not that of the advertising company or brand. Content, advertising space or posts will be clearly identified if paid, affiliated or sponsored.  Affiliate links may  be found throughout this website in advertising. This means that if you follow through with a purchase from these links, Your Kids OT will receive a percentage of the sale. Your Kids OT undertakes to meet the requirements of the "Social Media Policy" as published by Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).  Further information about this policy can be found here.

Find me


Follow me

Visit Your Kids OT's profile on Pinterest.
Picture

About me

Author

Hi, I'm Cindy and I am an Occupational Therapist. I enjoy working creatively with children to see them reach their potential. Read more about me here.

Picture
Copyright © 2017 Your Kid OT