Adelaide’s first disability-friendly playground opens in Park Holme
PARK Holme will become a magnet for families from across Adelaide after the city’s first playground for children with disabilities opened this morning.
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PARK Holme will become a magnet for families from across Adelaide after the city’s first playground for children with disabilities opened on Hendrie St.
The playground, costing almost $1 million, was opened this morning.
Specialised swings, slides, a carousel, bike track, water play areas and sand pit all feature in the reserve, along with a 6m sculpture of a spade children can use to play tunes.
Hendrie Street Inclusive Playground is part of the national ‘Livvi’s Place’ network of play spaces, initiated by the Touched by Olivia foundation.
The Sydney-based charity aims to open such playgrounds all over Australia, and has raised more than $110,000 through sponsorships and in-kind donations.
John and Justine Perkins established it in 2006 after their baby daughter, Olivia, died of a rare disease.
Marianne Sankey, who visited the playground with her family, said it was perfect for her five-year-old son Aaron.
“I loved that it had a really big open space with fencing all the way around,” Ms Sankey said.
“My son, who has Down syndrome, has a tendency to run away but he has a really big area to explore and play in.
“I love how it has special consideration for children with vision or hearing impairments or issues with mobility.”
Marion Mayor Kris Hanna expected the reserve to be “immensely popular”.
“Children of all abilities can play side-by-side in the playground in a safe and fun environment,” Mr Hanna said.
Marion contributed $310,000 towards the project, the State Government $540,000 and Edwardstown Rotary Club pitched in $14,000.
Touched by Olivia executive officer Bec Ho said she was thrilled to see the project finished. “It’s been a real labour of love for so many passionate people, and we reckon the community will enjoy the fruit it bears for so many decades,” Ms Ho said.
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