Grand opening for All Abilities Playground

Leichhardt has expanded its ability to cater to the needs of young people with a disability, with the opening of the $150,000 upgrade to Pioneers Memorial Park on March 5.

The All Abilities Playground – delivered in part thanks to a Federal Government infrastructure grant – is specifically designed to provide a space where people of all abilities and ages are encouraged to socialise and play together.

The park was opened by Leichhardt Mayor Jamie Parker and Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Anthony Albanese, with state member Verity Firth and local councillors including Darcy Byrne and Lyndal Howison also in attendance.

Cr Parker said Council had delivered an unprecedented number of playgrounds for 2010-11.

“Council has delivered nine playgrounds for the community in this financial year, investing $460,000, creating more spaces for locals to relax and connect with their families and friends,” he said.

A feature of the park is a vibrantly-tiled wall, featuring the signature artworks of 650 local children under the age of 11. The result, facilitated by local artist Jan French, involved students from several local schools and childcare providers, including St Fiacre’s, Kegworth OOSH, Orange Grove Public School, Italian Bilingual School and Leichhardt OOSH.

In addition, plans for a sensory garden are underway – an important step for children with disabilities, for whom utilising different senses is an important tool in stimulating both mental and physical development. To this end, local community gardening groups are offering their expertise to help spark the imagination in appealing to sight, sound, smell and touch.

The opening of the Pioneers Park upgrade follows on from the country’s first all-abilities playground in November 2009 at Timbrell Park, Five Dock.