PORT Macquarie children will soon have an even better playground in Westport Park.
A sod was officially turned over on Monday to mark the launch of a project to build a $300,000 new all-abilities playground – a trail-blazer for the region.
The playground is a joint project between Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, the State Government and the Touched by Olivia Foundation, plus support from commercial partners, which include the Newcastle Permanent Foundation.
Mayor Peter Besseling did the sod-turning honours with a special pink shovel – representing Touched by Olivia’s official colour.
Children’s activities, including a face painting and tile painting, added a festive touch to the occasion.
Plans for the new playground were also on display next to the existing playground to show everyone what was planned.
Addressing onlookers at the sod-turning ceremony, Cr Besseling said Port Macquarie-Hastings Council wanted to support people of all abilities.
“We want to send that message quite clearly that we want to be an inclusive community, not an exclusive community,” he said.
Cr Besseling said the council had consulted extensively with the community – including local schools – about the current concept plan.
The next step would be to further develop those plans.
Bec Ho from the Touched by Olivia Foundation said she was delighted by the turn-out at the launch.
“This is a really special occasion for us,” she said.
“It will be the first inclusive playground in the region and a special place for decades to come.”
She expected construction to start within the next couple of months and work to be finished by the end of the year.
The council has allocated $100,000 towards the replacement of existing playground equipment and has obtained an additional $50,000 in funding through the NSW Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Program.
On Monday representatives from Newcastle Permanent also handed over a generous cheque for $50,000 towards the project.
The partnership with Touched by Olivia will help deliver a unique Livvi’s Place inclusive play space on the Westport Park site.
Livvi’s Place is a concept for playgrounds that enables children, parents and grandparents of all abilities and ages to play side-by-side on the same equipment, ensuring integration of children and families with special needs.
Anyone who would like to know more about the Touched by Olivia Foundation or who would like to donate to the project is encouraged to visit www.touchedbyolivia.com.au.
