CONTEXT is proud to have received the Award of Excellence for Play Spaces at the 2026 AILA NSW Landscape Architecture Awards for Laurie Ferguson Water Playground, delivered with Cumberland City Council.
The project creates a playful, inclusive and welcoming neighbourhood space designed for children, families and the wider community. The award recognises the role landscape architecture can play in creating places that support play, connection and everyday community life.
A huge congratulations to Cumberland City Council, our collaborators and the CONTEXT project team who helped bring the project to life. We were proud to see the project recognised alongside an exceptional group of projects, practices and people shaping landscape architecture across NSW.
Award Citation
“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.
The Rain Halo, expanded waterplay and layered shade strategy combine to deliver meaningful microclimatic relief through Western Sydney’s summer heat. It is a considered, free public amenity that restores a beloved local asset as a place of everyday cooling, connection and joyful play for all.”
Photos by Tim Seaton Visuals
Studio Address
Suite 3.01 | 79 Myrtle Street,
Chippendale, NSW 2008
context@context.net.au
+61 2 8244 8900
Opening Hours
Monday — Friday 9:00am – 5:30pm
Philosophy
Creating places that shape people’s lives and leave a
lasting legacy for communities and the environment.
Office Address
Suite 3.01 | 79 Myrtle Street,
Chippendale, NSW 2008
context@context.net.au
+61 2 8244 8900
Opening Hours
Monday — Friday 9:00am – 5:30pm
Social
Philosophy
“We create enduring places for people to live in, experience
and enjoy.”
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