Liverpool Council has partnered with the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, local businesses and schools to upgrade 14 playgrounds across the local government area, with the first swing upgrade launching at Casula Parklands last Friday.
Working with Play for All Australia, Council says the upgrades will replace 14 low-backed infant swings with high-backed updated versions for Australian children of all abilities.
Play for All Australia was established by Liverpool resident, Caroline Ghatt and her husband Tim Smith – whose son Marcus lived with a significant disability – to generate awareness and dial up social inclusion across local communities.
Caroline said in honour of Marcus, her family wanted to generate awareness and galvanise the importance of social inclusion.
“Play is vital for all children and the local playground is where community is built, and connections are formed. We want to ensure that no family is left out of their local playground.”
“That’s why our goal is to equip communities with swings that are inclusive to all children, regardless of their ability, in their vital early years,” Ms Ghatt said.
A call was issued late last year for businesses to sponsor the new swings and Council says it was overwhelmed by the response.
Liverpool Mayor, Ned Mannoun said he was proud that Liverpool was the first Council in South-Western Sydney to get on board with the initiative.
Mayor Mannoun said Council was committed to ensuring Liverpool is an inclusive city.
Liverpool Chamber of Commerce President, Dimitri Karam said the Play For All program provided a creative and innovative way to make sure children get an equal opportunity within the local community.
“Liverpool Chamber of Commerce & Industry is privileged to partner with Play for All Australia to upgrade our swings in our parks to make play inclusive for everyone,” he said.
“No children should be left out of our parks. This is a great innovation to make sure all our children in the community are given an equal opportunity to Play and Develop.”
The sponsored swings will be installed at the following Liverpool playgrounds:
- Carnes Hill Park, Miller Park, Scott Memorial Park and Apex Park sponsored by the Liverpool Catholic Club;
- Casula Parklands playground sponsored by the Clark Family;
- Judy Pack Park sponsored by the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce;
- Black Muscat Park sponsored by Gloria Jeans Coffee Chipping Norton and Chipping Norton public school;
- Macleod Park sponsored by Liverpool Council;
- Jardine Park sponsored by Thrive Disability;
- Voyager Park sponsored by Marcus’ Family;
- Cameron Park and Lakeside Park sponsored by Intermodal.
