Article published on 6 July 2023
“I am here to play”, says little Hudson as he enters Variety Livvi’s Place Lt Cantello Reserve Inclusive Playground in his wheelchair. And he meant it.
A day full of fun and laughter with our three little legends Hudson, Lincoln and Mia on inclusive play adventures that call for fun for everyone. All three of them have visible and invisible disabilities but like every child they want to explore, play, and have fun.
As adults we seem to sometimes forget that children with disabilities are kids too! They want to have fun and test their limits. They want to engage in the same activities as their friends, within their own capacities: Climbing, jumping, running, touching, imagining… for their own benefit and to be able to share and interact with others.
“Hudson had a blast at the playground especially as he was able to independently drive his wheelchair around and engage with the play equipment. Hudson loved being able to jump on the trampoline, use the seesaw and the carousel whilst sitting in his wheelchair”, said Hudson’s mum Dorothy.
Being able to engage in so many different playful activities whilst in his wheelchair made Hudson feel comfortable and independent.
“The wide and open spaces between equipment and the rubber flooring allowed Hudson to maneuver around the playground freely and with ease. The variety of play equipment that he could use while sitting in his wheelchair such as the trampoline, the seesaw, the carousel as well as the musical instruments helped Hudson to feel included and have limitless fun.”
Mia is a rotationplasty amputee born with a limb difference and a barrier free playground is just what she likes best.
“The best features of this playground were the ease of access, even surfaces, shade and seating for me, and the equipment that Mia could use without worry. Mia can manage most play equipment, but the level of access that allowed her to play without barriers was just fabulous,” said Mia’s mum Leila and continues: “She always enjoys roundabouts, swings, trampolines, and slides just like any other kid. She enjoys these things! It’s just nice for her to not have to struggle with uneven ground coverings and any other barriers that make it harder to access the equipment, then it would for a typical child. “
Non-verbal pocket rocket Lincoln was all smiles and full of energy. The fully fenced playspace allowed him to explore, play and run freely. His mum shared a beautiful testimonial with us about their experience at the playground.
“Thankfully, the playground provided a well-encased space with strong handrails and soft surfaces underfoot, putting my mind at ease as Lincoln explored to his heart’s content. What really impressed me was the variety of activities available for children of all ages. Lincoln is a bundle of energy, and he found endless fun in the playground’s diverse play options. But his absolute favourite was the big tower slide! I couldn’t get him off it. He must have gone down that slide a dozen times, laughing with joy every single time.
As a parent, I also appreciated the thoughtful details that Proludic had taken into account. They provided ample seating for parents like myself, allowing me to sit back and watch Lincoln’s adventures unfold. The wheelchair accessibility and variety of inclusive play spaces was a huge plus, ensuring that everyone could join in on the fun.
One aspect that stood out to me was the sensory exploration opportunities offered by the playground. Proludic really hit the mark with their use of textures, colours, and materials. Lincoln was so engaged, running his hands along different surfaces and exploring the vibrant colours around him. It was wonderful to see his imagination sparked and his senses coming alive.
Overall, the playground left a lasting impression on both Lincoln and I. The safety measures put my mind at ease, the big slide brought immense joy to my little adventurer, and the playground’s attention to detail and inclusivity made it a truly remarkable experience. We can’t wait to visit again and create more unforgettable memories!”
About this project
Liverpool City Council in partnership with Variety – The Children’s Charity NSW/ACT and Outhouse Design developed a concept plan to guide the development of the Variety Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground in line with the NSW Government “Everyone Can Play” guidelines, to create a new all abilities playground for the local community of Hammondville. For the next stage of the project Proludic then collaborated with Council and Variety – The Children’s Charity on the detailed design, supply and installation of the playspace.
We create designs for playful spaces for everyone and extend and share our knowledge on the creation of inclusive play areas.
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