Plans for Marion playground for kids with disabilities scaled back due $300,000 funding shortfall
ADELAIDE will get its first playground for children with disabilities, but with fewer attractions than planned, following a $300,000 funding shortfall.
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ADELAIDE will get its first playground for children with disabilities, but with fewer attractions than planned, following a $300,000 funding shortfall.
Work will soon begin on the playground, next to the Marion Outdoor Pool at Park Holme, after local councillors approved the project last week.
The Hendrie St playground had faced a cloudy future, plagued by concern over a lack of cash.
Sydney-based Touched by Olivia Foundation promised to fundraise $400,000 for the project, to add to Marion Council’s $310,000 and the State Government’s $260,000.
But it has so far collected only $110,000 through grant applications, appeals to politicians and a public funding campaign.
With a work deadline looming, councillors voted to go ahead with the project anyway and spend the $680,000 on a fenced playground with equipment including swings, slides and a carousel, disability-accessible toilet, shelter and picnic area and landscaping.
Other elements, including a trike track, sensory, sand and water play features, a second shelter and picnic table and more landscaping, will happen later – but only if more funding becomes available from other sources.
Mayor Kris Hanna said he was sure the Touched by Olivia Foundation were “as disappointed as we are” that the playground would be scaled back.
“But what we’re doing is making use of the money that we’ve got to create a nice reserve,” Mr Hanna said.
“There’s nothing to stop them or anyone else raising further funds so we can add extra components to it. That door will always be open.”
Under a funding agreement with the Transport Department, the playground needs to be built by December. It is expected to attract families from across Adelaide.
Touched by Olivia Foundation executive officer Bec Ho said the organisation had “really struggled” to secure funding, but would keep trying and hoped to secure enough money to pay for the ground’s remaining features.
“I was concerned that because the funding was not in full, that the project would get put on the backburner,” Ms Ho said.
Anne Martin, principal at the nearby Suneden Special School in Mitchell Park, said the playground would benefit all children – not only those with a disability.
“One of the things we’re trying to do here at Suneden is to encourage our children to be as active as possible,” Ms Martin said.
“The more that’s on offer in the community that can promote that in a safe way ... the better.”
Donate at touchedbyolivia.com.au