:: Touched By Olivia ::

Building State of the Art Equal Access Playgrounds

OVERVIEW OF INITIATIVES

The Foundation will create exciting playgrounds that become meeting places for families and friends. Our aim is to work in partnership with local councils to build state of the art playgrounds that will encourage families and social groups to meet in a child friendly environment to enjoy these unique facilities.

The key characteristics of the playgrounds would include:

Equal Access - irrespective of ability, children will be able to have fun together through the provision of a diverse range of accessible play equipment. Each playground would include a Liberty Swing for disabled children, have soft fall rubber flooring, include visual and audio stimulation appealing to all children including the hearing and visually impaired, and be configured to maximise creative, physical, social and cognitive play for all

Security and safety - totally fenced so parents have peace of mind as to the location of their children, and shaded for protection from the elements

Facilities for older children and family get togethers - ideally, the playground would adjoin or incorporate facilities:

For the enjoyment of older children, such as swimming facilities and playing ovals
To enable family or group BBQs including appropriate tables and benches and toilet facilities
That provide access to the local coffee shop or coffee provision facilities such as a mobile coffee van
Providing ample and accessible parking
That overall, create a family friendly environment where people choose to meet and socialise whilst their children play

Replicable design - the playgrounds will be designed to a template, where possible, to allow other local communities to replicate the concept and ensure ease of implementation within a wide range of communities across Sydney, NSW and ultimately across Australia . The playgrounds will be known as "Livvi's Place" and will be recognised as state of the art, safe and accessible playgrounds and meeting places for all children and their families.

The key parameters to making this initiative successful include:

Partnerships with local councils
Fund raising
Gaining access to State and Federal Funding
Local Businesses - this will be coordinated via mail outs, phone calls and visits. Businesses will be given the opportunity to become involved in a number of ways, either through monetary donations, donations in kind or through the sponsorship of equipment/facilities within the playgrounds, such as a swing, slippery dip, BBQ etc

THE FIRST LIVVI'S PLACE OPENS IN MACARTHUR SQUARE

The first Livvi's Place Playground has now opened at Macarthur Square Campbelltown.

HAWTHORNE PARK, HAWTHORNE QLD

CBA have also granted funds to provide initial capital to establish a playground in Hawthorne Park Brisbane. Please see cheque presentation

OTHER PROJECTS AND SUGGESTIONS

We're always on the look out for new projects and partnerships. If you have a great idea, or if you would like to partner with the Touched By Olivia Foundation on a project, please email john.perkins@touchedbyolivia.com.au