By BRIDGET COOK
PLANS are underway to create an inclusive playground in Casey that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
At last week’s council meeting, councillors resolved to work with the Touched by Olivia (TBO) Foundation to identify a site in Casey and progress a regional all-abilities playground to cater for all children, including those with a disability.
TBO is a children’s charity focused on creating inclusive community playgrounds which cater for vision, hearing and mobility impairments as well as spectrum disorders such as autism.
TBO chief executive Rebecca Ho said they had already secured a $20,000 grant from the Bank of Melbourne to help progress plans for an inclusive playground in Casey and they would now work with the council to locate a suitable site and see what needed to be done.
Ms Ho said an inclusive playground wasn’t only about suitable equipment but also smart design of playgrounds.
She said an all-abilities playground also had to take in factors including access from a car park, pathways around and throughout the playground and access from public transport.
“They need to consider the needs of everyone,” she said.
“The playground should take into consideration everyone in the community.
“It’s exciting that places like Casey are helping to construct recreational areas that take in the needs of everyone in the community.
“Particularly because Casey has a high population of people with disabilities.”
Therese Howell, from Casey’s Access and Inclusion Committee who put the idea forward to the council, said there was currently no playground in Casey or the region that catered for all children.
“This is about enabling every child to have some fun in an environment with other children, irrespective of their challenge or differences,” she said.
Ms Howell, whose son was born with a limb difference, said the playground would simply be a smart design and structures.
“It’s not necessarily more expensive, just more strategic,” she said.
“One example of a good piece of equipment is the ‘nest swing’ – there’s one at Casey Fields.
“Children can enjoy the freedom of swinging without needed the balance required for a regular swing.
“This isn’t about building a playground just for people with disabilities, it’s about a playground for everyone.
“A playground that is inclusive of everyone.”
City of Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon said she thought it was a great idea.
“It is imperative that we provide inclusive and an all-abilities playground so that all children can play side by side in an environment that is designed for their general and particular needs,” she said.
“Also so parents who have children with special needs don’t have to travel to the city to access an all abilities playground.”
For more information on TBO Foundation, visit www.touchedbyolivia.com.au or search ‘Touched By Olivia Foundation’ on Facebook.
