Inclusive playspace opens in Geelong

August 30, 2025 BY Abby Pardew

(L-R) Cr Emma Sinclair, Ella George MP, Quintessential's Shane Quinn, MP Libby Coker, Quintessentail's Paul Healey, Cr Elise Wilkinson, Touched by Olivia's Kim Becherand and Mayor Stretch Kontelj. Photo: SUPPLIED

GEELONG’S newest playspace was designed with inclusion at its centre, and is now open to the public.

The Rippleside Inclusive Playspace, a Livvi’s Place, ensures children of all ages and abilities can play together.

Livvi’s Place is an initiative of non-for-profit organisation Touched by Olivia, working to improve wellbeing through inclusion and belonging.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the opening of the new playspace was the culmination of work from a number of people over the years.

“The early feedback from families has been extremely positive and seeing children of all ages and abilities playing together shows this will be a wonderful asset for all in our city to enjoy,” Cr Knotelj said.

The new space replaces the previous playground, which opened in 2001 and was at the end of its life.

As part of the redevelopment of the space, the playground now includes a steel play structure, climbing challenges, a bridge and slides, along with nature, sand and water play areas, an in-ground trampoline, a sensory wall, swings and a flying fox.

The playspace was a partnership between the Touched by Olivia Foundation, the Federal Government, the City of Greater Geelong, the Victorian Government and Quintessential.

Head of inclusive play at Touched by Olivia Kim Becherand said the Livvi’s Place is a new jewel in the network of sought-after and trusted inclusive playspaces.

“It reflects deep engagement from local children and families who experience barriers to play, schools and members of the wider community,” Ms Becherand said.

“They all requested somewhere where locals and visitors could gather, recreate, celebrate Geelong and play together whilst maintaining the feeling of the already known and much-loved playspace on the hill and nestled amongst the trees of Rippleside Park.”

It was supported by $2.1 million from the Federal Government, $1.7 million from the City, $910,000 from the Victorian Government and $300,000 from Quintessential and several private donors.