The first-ever Livvi’s Place in The Hills has opened to the community

Mayor of The Hills Shire Council, Councillor Yvonne Keane today joined the Touched by Olivia Foundation and Hills residents to celebrate the opening of the first stage of the first-ever Livvi’s Place in The Hills.

The design of Livvi’s Place was developed in consultation with local children, people with disabilities and their families, carers and local schools.

The area includes a number of interactive spaces, including a large water play area, a balance beam walk, swings, a sensory planting area, musical play walk, picnic and barbecue area, climbing ropes and much more.

Mayor of The Hills Shire, Councillor Yvonne Keane said she was so “proud” to bring a Livvi’s Place to Bernie Mullane Reserve – a very popular and much loved playspace in The Hills.

“I am so proud Council has worked with the Touched by Olivia Foundation to transform this already wonderful playground into a wonderland for children of all abilities. This is the first, and important step, for Council as it reimagines its approach to play spaces across the Shire,” Mayor Keane said.

“One of my key visions for my Mayoralty is to promote an inclusive and connected community, and I am incredibly proud to officially open the first stage of the first-ever Livvi’s Place in The Hills.

“As someone who sits on the board of a large national disabilities service provider, as someone who has one child with a disability and one without, and as a Hills mum, being part of the Council team that has established this wonderful playground is very poignant to me.”

Touched by Olivia Foundation executive officer Bec Ho said the inclusive playspace celebrated the ability of all children.

“No person should be left out in a community. It’s usually the built environment that disables people,” Ms Ho said.

“We are so thrilled to see The Hills Shire Council supporting the inclusion of all abilities here at Livvi’s Place and hope it influences even more fantastic and inclusive places in the community.”

Earlier in the year, a pop-up consultation session was held at the site of the new Livvi’s Place playspace.

More than 400 children, dressed in their favourite superhero costumes, and their parents were given the opportunity to identify the type of play equipment they enjoyed.

Examples of the wide range of items provided in local parks were on display, including a creative play area, basket swing, tunnels and the traditional favourites – slides and combined play units.

The most common suggestions were for play equipment items and a playground design that could be enjoyed by a range of ages and abilities.

Council provided funds for the project, while working closely with the Touched by Olivia Foundation on designs and potential sponsorship opportunities.

The Livvi’s Place playground is part of the Bernie Mullane Reserve Masterplan.