Laurie Ferguson Water Playground

Once a simple splash park, the recent upgrade of Laurie Ferguson Water Playground in Merrylands, Western Sydney has transformed it into a beloved community destination. With a combination of water-play and nature-inspired adventure, it’s the perfect place for families looking to have fun, while keeping cool on hot days.

The project, led by CONTEXT for Cumberland City Council, recently won the 2026 AILA NSW Award of Excellence for Play Spaces. The sense of everyday value is recognised by the jury that cited:

Laurie Ferguson Water Playground transforms a familiar water play typology into a genuine community oasis.

CONTEXT and Cumberland City Council are highly commended for elevating a traditional splash park into an inclusive destination drawing children, families and carers from Merrylands and the wider community visiting the adjacent sporting precinct.

Since reopening in February, Cumberland City Council has recorded visitor numbers five times higher than expected. The playground has quickly become a genuine gathering place for the community, not just a summer destination. Even through the cooler winter months, when the splash pad is turned off, families continue to use the space to meet, play, sit and spend time together.

That year-round use is an important part of the project’s success, creating a local place people can return to in every season.

The yellow was about bringing energy, playfulness & a strong sense of identity into the playground.

Scott Jackson, lead Landscape Architect, CONTEXT

Furniture pops in joyous yellow

Central to the park’s vibrant transformation was a bold, energetic mustard yellow for Street Furniture Australia’s Piatto and Linea furniture, adding brightness to the surrounding urban elements.

CONTEXT Director and lead Landscape Architect Scott Jackson said, “The yellow was about bringing energy, playfulness & a strong sense of identity into the playground.

We wanted moments of colour that would really pop through the space and help the furniture feel like an integrated part of the overall play environment.”

A design grounded in Country

Designed in collaboration with Barramattagal leaders, local community members, and cultural consultancy Artefact, the layout builds on a deep connection to Country.

“This is a place where people would have gathered for the smoking ceremony, so for us the seating and all the other elements became really important to the overall narrative. The smoking ceremony brings the rain and the halo structure represents that rain.” says Jackson. 

Piatto Tables and Stools are dotted throughout, defining key gathering points around the central splash zone. Nearby under a shaded barbecue area, Linea Table Settings give families a place to sit and eat when having a break from play.

Next to the activity tower and swings are plinth-mounted Linea benches where tired kids can catch their breath and recharge before running off to play again.

Jackson said of the furniture selection, “We do love the Piatto and Linea at CONTEXT. Clean and simple, but also quite elegant. They worked really nicely within the play spaces.” 

Linea Bike Stands, Escola Bins and an Arqua Fountain complete the space with the everyday amenities required for a day at the park.

Designed for comfort and longevity

Alongside interactive water play, Mall Sun Lounges, positioned at considered angles, provide the grown-ups with a comfortable place to relax while remaining close to their children at play.

Given Western Sydney’s harsh climate and the playground’s popularity, durability and strength were important considerations when selecting material and finishes. CONTEXT chose aluminium woodgrain Spotted Gum battens (Wood Without Worry), for a timber look that meets the maintenance demands of a high-use public space.

Knowing Street Furniture Australia delivers on time was a major factor for us specifying it. Plus, aesthetically, it is a beautiful product.

Confidence from specification to delivery

With high community expectations and tight project timelines, reliable lead times gave the design team peace of mind throughout project delivery.

“One of the biggest issues on projects is lead times, especially for products that aren’t manufactured in Australia,” says Jackson. “Knowing Street Furniture Australia delivers on time was a major factor for us specifying it. Plus, aesthetically, it is a beautiful product.” 

Scott Jackson is speaking at West Fest 2026: Designing for Belonging, 10 November in Parramatta. Register here.