By BRIDGET COOK
WHEN Therese Howell talks about the dream vision for the proposed inclusive playspace for Casey, there’s a passion and excitement in her voice that she can’t contain.
That is because she knows the full potential of what a truly unique play area can be achieved at Livvi’s Place in the Marriot Waters Estate if the funding can be secured.
National charity Touched by Olivia and the City of Casey have teamed up to create an all abilities playground in Lyndhurst – to be the only one of its kind in this region.
Every aspect of the design will consider the special needs of children with disabilities and include a range of equipment that caters to children of all abilities, including those who are wheelchair bound.
Ms Howell, the local resident who has been the driving force behind the project, said through council funding and donations organisers have managed to raise $80,000 towards the playspace, but they desperately needed a total of $300,000 to complete the full design.
Ms Howell said she wanted to share the dream vision with the community to show people what an amazing playspace can be achieved if more businesses and individuals contribute towards it.
“The average playground attracts up to 500 participants a week,” she said.
“Touched by Olivia playgrounds can attract up to 3000 participants a week.”
Ms Howell said she wanted to walk people through the journey of the dream playspace.
“We are looking to have an entrance way showing community and business sponsorship, to show the spirit behind this playspace,” she said.
“People of all abilities can get around to every aspect of this playspace irrespective of if they can use the equipment or not.
“There are sensory zones to walk through and the whole space is enclosed so parents don’t have to worry about their children running off.
“There are passive zones for children with autism, if it’s all too much and too loud elsewhere.
“There are planes for a place called the tree house – a ramp up to the canopies of the trees so people can look out over the play space, and with slides coming down to the ground.
“There will be interactive water tables that someone in a wheelchair can access, where children can touch and play with water.
“The wheelchair carousel is another great feature, where children of all abilities can play together.
“We also hope there will be a large, open space and a kite flying hill.
“A great piece of equipment we want to include is the double flying fox, which has one high-back, harnessed seat for those in a wheelchair.
“There will also be barbecue area, seating for the community and wheelchair accessible tables.”
Ms Howell urged people to get behind the project as much as they could, whether it be in a big or small way.
Local businesses, schools and organisations have held sausage sizzles, morning teas and casual days to fundraise for the playspace already.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to show their support towards an inclusive and connected space in Casey, for the wider region,” she said.
“It will be a community asset and belong to everybody.
“It will really make a different to the lives of many.
“The more funds we raise, the better we can make this it.
“With what we have now, it will still go ahead but not be as big and amazing as it has the potential to be.”
All sponsorship needs to be finalised by the end of September.
If any businesses, schools or organisations want to contribute or fundraise for the playground, they can contact Rebecca Ho at rebecca.ho@touchedbyolivia.com.au or on 0414 506 606.
People can also donate online by visiting http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/livvisplacecasey.
For more information on the playground, visit touchedbyolivia.com.au.
