New inclusive play space awarded for design and development

Children decked out in butterfly wings race to explore the new park after its official opening. Livvi’s Place at Albert Park has won the prestigious award at the National Sports and Physical Convention. Photo: Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.

Livvi’s Place Cootamundra has won a prestigious award at a national level that recognises the inclusivity and wide-ranging activities available within the play space.

Livvi’s Place at Albert Park has won the Playground Design Award at the National Sports and Physical Activity Convention 2022 in Melbourne.

The inclusive play space took out the award for design and developments that allow and encourage more children to play, have fun and be active.

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) and the Touched by Olivia Foundation partnered and delivered the inclusive play space in memory of Olivia Perkins, who passed away at eight months of age from lymphangioma in 2006.

Livvi’s Place at Albert Park was officially opened in June by the Member for Cootamundra Steph Cook, project stakeholders and children and families who contributed to the project.

CGRC Mayor Charlie Sheahan congratulated the council’s Manager Waste, Park and Recreation Wayne Bennett and his team.

“This has been a project we are all very proud of. Our young people, parents and carers all came together and told us what they wanted,” Cr Sheahan said.

“The parks and gardens team, headed by Wayne, listened to them and had a great vision of what they could put together.

“This award is a credit to their hard work, foresight and abilities to deliver a space that is inclusive to all regardless of age, ability or capabilities.”

Touched by Olivia’s Head of Inclusive Play, Kim Becherand said the foundation is proud of Cootamundra’s inclusive play space.

“Livvi’s Place Cootamundra is the new flagship for us, full of inclusive adventure and nature play using natural and sustainable materials and most importantly community-led and co-created by the children and teens of the town,” Ms Becherand said.

“Council had the vision to create a beautiful space in the heart of town where everyone could come together and experience nature play in a community space where every child and person would gather, make new friends and celebrate Cootamundra’s diversity.

“We commend Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council for being champions in inclusive play. With a limited budget and resources, they have shown that inclusive spaces don’t have to cost more – we just have to do things differently.”