Parents and service providers have expressed that they do not feel that there is an adequately accessible and inclusive playground within Ballarat or the surrounding area that meets the interests and support needs of their child or children. They have to travel long distances to reach such destinations in other cities and areas.
The requests from the families and services are not that varied. They would like a play space that is fenced. Has a variety of play equipment for active, passive, imaginative, social play. Sensory items such as music, light, touch and texture. And one that is inclusive of children of all abilities with equipment and pathways that can be accessed by prams, wheelchairs and walkers.
Council’s Disability Advisory Committee have been actively involved in this conversation. There has been various meetings with Council departments and discussions held relating to our existing and future play spaces. We are beginning to see improvements with the way play spaces are designed and the equipment installed.
A recent meeting with the Project Manager from the Touched by Olivia Foundation provided a fantastic overview of the model used by this foundation that assists communities to achieve nationally and internationally regarded inclusive playgrounds within their communities. Information and examples of their inclusive playgrounds can be found at http://www.touchedbyolivia.com.au/playgrounds/
This meeting highlighted that Ballarat could potentially be the location of an inclusive play ground with the support of the community, council, all levels of government and sponsors.
There has been a significant amount of community interest over the past 12 months and the next step is to formally register your support for an inclusive playground to Council. This can be done through a variety of ways such as talking to a Councillor, writing a letter, sending an email, participating in community consultations or filling in a survey.
The City of Ballarat are currently undertaking a ‘Victoria Park Visioning Project’ where the community will have the opportunity to contribute to the future of this park. This project provides the community with an opportunity to participate in the consultation and express the importance to the community for an inclusive playground.
The consultation times, dates and survey for the ‘Victoria Park Visioning Project’ can be found at http://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/
The project aims to set the direction for the park and will help Council to work closely with local residents and other stakeholders to ensure the best possible future for the park. For more information on Ballarat’s Victoria Park Visioning Project contact Council’s Public Spaces and Environment Team on 53205131.
Blog contributed by Craig Donaldson, Rural Access Coordinator, City of Ballarat.
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