Variety – the Children's Charity and the City of Greater Geelong have formalised a partnership that will see the construction of a world class inclusive playspace at Rippleside Park.
Representatives from Variety - the Children's Charity joined Greater Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood and councillors Anthony Aitken and Peter Murrihy at the site to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, paving the way for the exciting project to press ahead.
Through clever design and engineering, the new facility will give children of all abilities a fun and challenging place to play side-by-side.
Variety has successfully partnered with other local governments to deliver similar playspaces in Bankstown and Taree. These facilities are thriving family destinations where all children are welcome and included.
Geelong residents will be given the chance to be involved in shaping the design of the playspace, with public consultation to begin once a designer has been engaged.
Variety will also support the development of a fundraising initiative for the project, working with Geelong businesses and individuals to financially support the inclusive playspace in reaching its full potential.
Work at the site is expected to begin in the 2020-21 financial year.
Variety has recently joined forces with the Touched by Olivia Foundation to work with communities all across Australia to build inclusive playspaces known as 'Variety Livvi's Place'.
Working with these partners to deliver the project provides an opportunity to create a truly inclusive playspace in the heart of Geelong that will engage all children and their families and carers in the act of play.
David Sexton, CEO, Variety - the Children's Charity NSW/ACT:
At Variety we believe that all kids deserve a fair go, including the ability to play.Kids of all abilities should be able to experience the joy and benefits of playing together, and Variety is proud to partner with Greater Geelong Council on this very important project for the Geelong community.
Mayor Bruce Harwood:
We aim to be a city that is inclusive and welcoming of everyone.The current playground at Rippleside Park, which opened in 2001, was made possible thanks to the generous donation of time and money by around 1500 local residents.
This redevelopment will give us an opportunity to show our sense of community spirit and togetherness once again, and to create something genuinely special.
It's a project we've been working to make a reality for some time and I'm excited to see us come up with a playspace that is truly innovative and world class.
Once finished, it will have a huge positive impact on the lives of Geelong children, families and our whole community.
