Tweed Heads: Million-dollar inclusive playground opens at Jack Evans Boat Harbour

A spectacular million-dollar playground catering to all abilities has opened in Tweed Heads, right near the Queensland-NSW border. See what all the fuss is about.

Pearl, Louie and Andrea Haywood enjoying the new play space at Goorimahbah Place of Stories, Tweed Heads.

A mother of twins - one of whom has a disability - has hailed a new $980,000 facility at Tweed Heads as it enables her children to play together.

The inclusive play area at the Goorimahbah Place of Stories has been officially opened on the northern side of Jack Evans Boat Harbour.

The new local attraction places inclusion at its very heart.

It enables children of all abilities, ages and cultures to enjoy the playground, which was designed in collaboration with the Touched by Olivia Foundation, local landscape architect Dan Plummer, and Tweed council.

The space boasts slides, a flying fox, a water play area, swings and more. Picture: David Bonaddio

Kim Becherand from the Touched by Olivia Foundation, said inclusion goes beyond providing access for children to play together.

“We’ve tried to create a sense of place as well as belonging where everyone of all abilities can play together,” she said.

The ribbon was cut for the official opening of Livvi’s place at Goorimahbah Place of Stories. Picture: David Bonaddio

Local mum of twins Andrea Haywood would like to see more inclusive play spaces in the Tweed and on the Gold Coast.

“We often go to playgrounds and we find it hard for my kids to play together,” Ms Haywood said.

“When we come to a playground like this one in Tweed my kids are playing together as brother and sister and that’s exactly what we need as a family.”

Tweed mayor Chris Cherry. Picture: Matt Roberts

Tweed mayor Chris Cherry said “to see this grow from the vision on paper and see it become a reality is an incredible feeling.

“You know that you’re being part of helping to create a legacy that will be an asset for this shire for many years to come.”

NSW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts said the new playground creates a sense of respect in the community.

“Since it’s been in operation you can’t go past seeing kids of all abilities … it’s about making our communities stronger,” he said.

NSW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts, Kyle Scully and Tweed MP Geoff Provest. Photo: David Bonaddio

Tweed MP Geoff Provest said the project would be an asset for youngsters with mobility, sensory, sight and hearing challenges.

“This is a fun play space with stimulating play areas for everyone to enjoy,” Mr Provest said.

Mastery Schools Australia Coolangatta campus principal Matt Cavanagh said the playground would deliver for children with special needs.

“The park links to our First Nations people, people with disabilities, it’s inclusive, it’s fun, it’s engaging,” Mr Cavanagh said.

“We need to get rid of this tall poppy syndrome and start to build kids and people with disabilities up.”

Students of Mastery Schools Australia Coolangatta Campus. Photo: David Bonaddio

The playground is stage one of the project - the next phase will deliver a youth recreation area, additional seating, picnic tables and barbecue facilities.

Tweed Shire Council has also been successful in approving access to the beach area at Jack Evans Boat Harbour for swimming.

Stage 2 of the project will be completed by June next year.