The Jungle Adventure Play Centre (JAPC) invites Queensland’s kids to run wild – safely. For its second location on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, the team turned again to Brisbane Sound Group (BSG), who called Optimal Audio ecosystem supplied by local distributor, Audio Brands.
Brisbane Sound Group had already encountered the acoustic challenges presented by Jungle Adventure, having previously fitted out JAPC’s first venue in Tingalpa. The centre’s team needed an audio system to support every moment – from playful chaos to peaceful cuppas. Simple to control and manage day to day, delivering great audio coverage, Optimal Audio’s ecosystem was the right choice for the noisy play environment.
As is so often the case, the A/V installation was not the first part of the project to be completed, and the play equipment was already in place. Though the placement of ball pits, climbing structures and safety nets presented considerable obstacles in a number of the venue’s 12 zones.
‘Accessing walls and ceilings was a real puzzle in this environment,’ says BSG Installation & Projects Manager, Josiah Kerridge, describing some of the installation challenges, ‘Working with the physical obstacles, we created consistent coverage and clarity across every zone.’
Despite limited access during the build, BSG and distributor Audio Brands collaborated to ensure product choices and loudspeaker placement hit the mark. ‘Audio Brands were fantastic,’ says BSG Operations & Marketing, Josh Bonnici. ‘They helped narrow down the right speakers and amps for every zone and were always quick to support us when needed.’
Optimal Audio’s Up 6 ceiling speakers with back cans were positioned wherever suspended ceilings allowed. When ceiling mounts weren’t possible, Optimal Audio Cuboid 6 were placed to take full advantage of the 130° x 120° dispersion, ideal for coverage without audio spill. Driving the system are Optimal Audio SmartAmp 10 and SmartAmp 20 amplifiers, featuring onboard DSP for streamlined configuration. To enable remote positioning of the amps safely away from the busy play zone, BSG extended a Dante audio network from the building’s existing cabling infrastructure.
Each of the 12 tightly focused zones are configured to deliver intelligible, energetic audio without bleed. The audio ecosystem is set up to be controlled centrally via a wall panel at reception, with additional panels positioned in key locations. Paging and emergency messaging can cut through instantly when needed.
‘Clarity and control were essential,’ Kerridge says. ‘This isn’t just about loud music - it’s about keeping the space safe, connected, and enjoyable.’
Jungle Playground was a significant installation for the group, best known for its live event production. ‘This project really mattered to us,’ Kerridge says. ‘It’s helping change perceptions – showing that we’re just as capable in integration as we are in production. And we’ve got the right people and the right partners to do it.’
The benefit for the venue is a clear, zoneable system that staff can operate with confidence. Jungle Adventure Play Centre now has a sound set-up as dynamic as the kids who visit it.