Council slammed over plans for inclusive playground name

ADELAIDE’S first playground for children with disabilities will not be named after the charity that proposed it, in a move one local councillor has described as “petulant and disrespectful”.

The new $1 million inclusive playground under construction at Park Holme. Pictures: Bec Ho

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ADELAIDE’S first playground for children with disabilities will not be named after the charity that proposed it, in a move one local councillor has described as “petulant and disrespectful”.

Marion Council is building the $1 million playground at Hendrie St, Park Holme, after an approach by the Sydney-based Touched by Olivia foundation, which aims to secure playgrounds across Australia for children with disabilities.

But a move to name the playground by its location, rather than the foundation’s usual practice of play spaces being named Livvi’s Place — after a young disabled girl who died in 2006 — drew the ire of Cr Bruce Hull at Marion’s meeting last night.

It followed controversy over the foundation promising to raise $400,000 towards the project, but only managing to come up with $110,000.

“I find this treatment of the Touched by Olivia foundation appalling,” Cr Hull said.

“It’s a petulant and disrespectful response.”

The new $1 million inclusive playground under construction at Park Holme. Pictures: Bec Ho

Cr Hull said the playground, first flagged by the foundation in 2012, would never have been built without the charity’s approach.

“Livvi’s Place is a mark of respect to a young lady who passed away having lived a very short life with no access to an inclusive play space,” he said.

John and Justine Perkins established the Touched by Olivia foundation in 2006 after their baby daughter, Olivia, died of a rare disease.

Several Marion councillors said they wanted the playground named for its location, with suggestions pointing to the streets next to it, including Duncan Ave and Hendrie St.

The council decided to call it the Hendrie Street Inclusive Playground and include signage labelling it “part of the Livvi’s Place network”.

Mayor Kris Hanna said the foundation didn’t come up with “anything close” to the money it promised in a memorandum of understanding.

“To be fair, they got about 25 per cent of it,” Mr Hanna said.

Marion last year decided to go ahead with the playground anyway, but scale it back to fit a $694,000 revised budget.

That included $310,000 from Marion, $260,000 from the State Government, $110,000 raised by Touched by Olivia and $14,000 from Edwardstown Rotary Club.

Then in February, the government announced it would pitch in the $300,000 shortfall to include all of the playground’s planned features.

They include a trike track, sensory sand and water features, swings, slides, a carousel, disability-accessible toilet, shelters and picnic areas.

Touched by Olivia executive officer Bec Ho was disappointed with the council’s decision, which would impact the charity’s ability to build the brand in SA.

“At the end of the day even if it’s not called Livvi’s Place, it’s what people will call it,” she said.

“I’m disappointed but all the local kids will make their memories there and have a great time.”

The playground is scheduled to open on August 10.