The City of Ballarat has launched the first inclusive play space in regional Victoria.
A community celebration on 19 March officially opened the Victoria Park Inclusive Play Space to an excited audience of children, parents, grandparents and carers.
The playground aims to encourage people of all abilities and ages to socialise and play side-by-side. The precinct features multiple play zones and accessible equipment including a double flying fox, multiple swings, slides, a carousel and a year-round imaginative water play precinct.
The project also includes new paths, shade shelters, BBQs, picnic tables, car parking and toilet facilities.
The $1.4 million play space is a partnership project with support from the State government, business and the community groups.
Central Highlands Water contributed significant funding to the water play precinct, which features a network of shallow streams and weirs.
Project partners, the Touched by Olivia Foundation has championed community involvement with generous donations now approaching $100,000 thanks for support from Rotary Clubs, Bank of Melbourne, TGM, V/Line and local schools.
Community members were encouraged to provide further support through purchasing personalised pavers.
