LOCAL residents have been urged to throw their support behind plans for a new inclusive play space in Westport Park, Port Macquarie.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has organised a community fun day at the park between 10am and noon this Saturday 26 October, to officially launch the project and generate community interest.
Local schools are also being encouraged to get involved by hosting a ‘pink’ mufti day tomorrow to help raise funds for the project.
Council has allocated $100,000 towards the replacement of the existing playground equipment and has obtained an additional $50,000 in funding through the NSW Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Program.
Council is also partnering with the Touched by Olivia Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that specialises in raising corporate sponsorship for inclusive play spaces.
Port Macquarie-Hastings mayor Peter Besseling said he was excited about the involvement of the Touched by Olivia Foundation in helping to deliver a unique Livvi’s Place inclusive play space.
“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,” he said.
Touched by Olivia executive officer Bec Ho said they were looking forward to bringing Livvi’s Place at Westport Park to life.
“It’s a great community, and a fantastic design – you don’t look at it and think that it’s a park for people with disabilities, which is the whole point of truly inclusive design,” she said.
“Everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy this special space, regardless of their ability. We’re expecting to see some great uptake of our sponsorship proposal over the months leading up to Christmas, with items like the tree house and stepping stones for sale.
“There’s the dolphin play sculpture that is the local Indigenous groups totem ($2000) up to the wheelchair accessible carousel which costs $37,500. Every single cent counts,” she said.
“We need to raise around $100,000 so that we can start construction before the Easter holidays, and with a number of grant applications out, we’re hopeful that the community is going to help us get over the line.”
The targeted completion date is mid-2014.
Anyone interested in volunteering to help with fund-raising or donating to the project is asked to visit www.touchedbyolivia.com.au.
