AFTER years of disability community advocacy, I am so proud to share that the new Rippleside Playspace \u00ad\u2013 a Livvi’s Place Project \u00ad\u2013 is almost ready to open.<\/p>\n
This is something I have enthusiastically supported since a vision for this project was first raised in 2019.<\/p>\n
The City has partnered with the Touched by Olivia Foundation, Quintessential, and received generous funding support from the Federal and State Governments to build a flagship new play area for children of all abilities at Rippleside Park.<\/p>\n
I am proud of the City of Greater Geelong for our $1.725 million contribution in response to our community’s ongoing championing of this project.<\/p>\n
The original wooden playground, built in 2001, was removed last year after reaching the end of its lifespan.<\/p>\n
Wooden pickets made up the boundary fence carrying the names of the families and community members who purchased them as part of a crowdfunding initiative to fund the original playground’s initial construction.<\/p>\n
When the playground was removed, the pickets were retained and returned to donors. It was fantastic to see the community claiming their pickets, a real full circle moment before the park moved into its next exciting chapter.<\/p>\n
For more than two decades Rippleside has been a welcoming space for local families and a handy rest stop for those travelling through Geelong.<\/p>\n
In its next chapter, the park will cater to more families and children than ever before, with accessibility and inclusivity as the primary consideration for the build.<\/p>\n
The design includes a range of elements for children with mobility challenges, including a unique climbing structure with a range of climbing challenges, high slides, and flying foxes and swings.<\/p>\n
The park also now features accessible toilets and a changing places facility.<\/p>\n
The fully fenced playspace boasts a suite of elements that support neurodivergent children or those with sensory sensitivities.<\/p>\n
The playground has a range of communication panels featuring pictograms and Auslan diagrams to help children communicate how they would like to play and enjoy the space.<\/p>\n
This is a fantastic tool that can offer children full communication range when visiting the park.<\/p>\n
There are also a variety of sensory and artistic elements within the space including sound, smell, touch and kinaesthetic awareness, water and sand areas for exploration and quiet zones to decompress.<\/p>\n
Our team has worked with Access Ability Australia to produce an ‘access key’ \u2013 a document that families and carers can use to explore the accessibility features of the park.<\/p>\n
This key will be accessible via the Rippleside Park page on our City website, and via a QR code on the conditions of entry signage on site.<\/p>\n
This will be an incredibly helpful tool for families and carers across Greater Geelong.<\/p>\n
As chair of the Accessibility and Inclusion portfolio, I can’t begin to express what a space like this means for the children of our city.<\/p>\n
It means our youth will all have the opportunity to play in a safe environment that fosters inclusion, creativity and exploration.<\/p>\n
I can’t wait to see this playspace opened soon, and for it to be enjoyed by children and families of all abilities for years to come.<\/p>\n
I wish to personally thank all who have contributed to the project, whether through the design, build or just being a supportive member of the community who cares for Rippleside Park.<\/p>\n
Cr Anthony Aitken<\/p>\n
Corio Ward,<\/p>\n
City of Greater Geelong<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AFTER years of disability community advocacy, I am so proud to share that the new Rippleside Playspace \u00ad\u2013 a Livvi’s Place Project \u00ad\u2013 is almost ready to open. This is something I have enthusiastically supported since a vision for this project was first raised in 2019. The City has partnered with the Touched by Olivia […]<\/p>\n