- Location
- Gunnedah, Australia
- Market
- Councils & Developers
Play Priorities
It was a joy to be a part of the creation of Livvi’s Place in Wolseley Park and help Gunnedah mum, Ashley Bender realise her dream for a safe, inclusive play space for her autistic son, Kyren, and the children of this NSW country town.
Thanks to the support and dedication of the Gunnedah Shire Council and community and the Touched by Olivia charity, this Gunnedah playground is shining a light on the value of inclusive play spaces to individuals and communities alike.
Fun Solution
Touched by Olivia assists communities to create special places that encourage and invite social inclusion through play. Like Playground Centre, they believe in the principle that everyone can play, and Livvi’s Place playgrounds are built to the best practice inclusive playground guidelines the charity has established in conjunction with leading academics, practitioners and organisations in the field.
The concept for Livvi’s Place in Gunnedah was developed through extensive consultation with the community and the Council’s Inclusive Playground Working Group.
The playground has been custom-made for all-inclusive fun, with accessible and intergenerational play equipment and amenities that allow children of all ages and abilities (and their parents and carers) to play side-by-side.
There’s so much to love about this playground! One of the most exciting features is the 30m long Double Traveller (or Flying Fox) which has been fitted with a Special Needs seat that enables children and young adults with special needs to enjoy the thrill of the Flying Fox from the safety and comfort of the specially designed seat.
The playground also includes a massive, 6 Bay Swing which boasts a combination of traditional and special needs swings. The Expression Swing enables a child and their carer to swing together face-to-face, while the basket swing’s wide supportive netting helps children feel confident that their body is safe, even their feet are off the ground. Plus, there’s a Maxi Whirler, Inclusive Carousel and sensory and tactile play equipment like the Eco Rain Wheel.
In addition, the playground has been kitted out with Braille Signs as well as innovative Biba playground technology that promotes interactive play via a free app parents download to access playground games.
With all of this wonderful equipment, it’s no surprise that Livvi’s Place has fast become a family-favourite space for the Gunnedah locals to play and connect. It’s also become a must-stop for families holidaying in the region.
Additional funding for the project was provided through the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.
For more information on Touched by Olivia and Livvi’s Places, visit www.touchedbyolivia.com.au