GEELONG’S newest playspace was designed with inclusion at its centre, and is now open to the public.<\/p>\n
The Rippleside Inclusive Playspace, a Livvi’s Place, ensures children of all ages and abilities can play together.<\/p>\n
Livvi’s Place is an initiative of non-for-profit organisation Touched by Olivia, working to improve wellbeing through inclusion and belonging.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
The new space replaces the previous playground, which opened in 2001 and was at the end of its life.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The playspace was a partnership between the Touched by Olivia Foundation, the Federal Government, the City of Greater Geelong, the Victorian Government and Quintessential.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“It reflects deep engagement from local children and families who experience barriers to play, schools and members of the wider community,” Ms Becherand said.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n