Building a playspace for everyone

CONSTRUCTION on the multimillion-dollar Rippleside Inclusive Playspace is set to begin after Council voted to award the contract to build the project last month.

The community has long desired an inclusive play space, and this facility is set to be a landmark in Greater Geelong, embodying accessibility and inclusivity for all.

Located within the scenic Rippleside Park, this playspace will allow children of all abilities to play, learn and grow in an environment designed specifically to cater to diverse needs.

This project, which has been designed in consultation with the local community, is a collaboration between the City of Greater Geelong, the Australian and Victorian governments, and the Touched by Olivia Foundation.

The facility will feature bespoke inclusive play equipment with sensory and artistic elements, Changing Places toilet facilities and accessible pathways.

Community involvement has been integral to the design of this project, and feedback was actively sought from local families, especially those with lived experience of disability, to ensure the playspace truly meets the community’s needs.

Input was also gathered from local school children and residents, making the project a genuine community effort.

The project has substantial support, with a funding pool including $2.1 million from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, $1.7 million from the City of Greater Geelong and $910,000 from the Victorian Government.

Quintessential will also provide a valuable $300,000 contribution along with the Touched by Olivia Foundation’s in-kind partnership.

This project shows what can be achieved when governments, organisations and communities work together with a shared vision of inclusivity and access for all.

The playspace is not just a recreational facility but a social hub where children can make new friends and learn important life skills in a supportive environment.

The playground will promote understanding, empathy, and inclusion from a young age by fostering interaction among children of all abilities.

These elements are not just for fun but also serve therapeutic purposes, aiding in the development of motor skills, co-ordination and social skills.

One of the standout features is the inclusion of a fully accessible Changing Places toilet facility, ensuring that families with children who have severe disabilities can enjoy extended visits to the park.

The site-wide accessible pathways also mean that every part of the playspace is reachable for those with mobility challenges, including wheelchair users.

The Rippleside Inclusive Playspace will feature bespoke equipment designed to provide a rich sensory experience, engaging children through sight, sound and touch.

The playspace will replace the older playground, which has served the community well since 2001 but now requires an update to meet modern accessibility standards.

Inclusive playspaces are integral to promoting equality, and the City of Greater Geelong is delighted to contribute to a space where everyone feels welcome and valued.

The Rippleside Inclusive Playspace is more than just a playground; it is a statement of the community’s dedication to inclusivity, accessibility and the wellbeing of all its residents.

As construction begins, the community can look forward to a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a model for future playspaces across the region and beyond.

Council is proud to have supported this project, and the facility is set to open in mid-2025.

Cr Peter Murrihy

Brownbill Ward, City of Greater Geelong