MOREE’S new play-space – Livvi’s Place at Jacaranda Park – was opened on Monday, with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony carried out by Paige Thomas and Moree Plains Shire Council mayor, Susannah Pearse.
The new park, two years in the making, is part of the Livvi’s Place national network, designed in conjunction with the Touched by Olivia Foundation.
Play Equipment includes a multi-purpose fort, ramps, slides, a double flying fox, nest swing and carousel.
There are fully accessible pathways, handrails, shaded seating, barbeques and quiet zones.
Community space includes plenty of room for children’s ball games, families to gather, and teens to enjoy the basketball half-court.
The park is designed to ensure everyone – children, families, and adults – can come together to play, relax, and thrive, a space where everyone belongs, no matter their ability.
Moree Plains Shire Council mayor, Susannah Pearse, said Livvi’s Place is more than just a playground.
“It is a place where children, youth, families and visitors of all backgrounds can come together to
relax, play, and connect,” Cr Pearse said.
“Council values diversity and connectedness as being important for our community, and this space offers an opportunity for kids to live happier, healthier lives.
“With a pump track, half-basketball court, barbeque areas, and plenty of green space for games and community events, there’s something for everyone,” she said.
Also in attendance was deputy mayor Wayne Tighe, councillors Kelly James, Dominique Hodgkinson and Fred McGrady, council general manager Kelvin Tytherleigh and Kim Becherand, from the Touched by Olivia Foundation.
Moree Lions Club provided a barbecue and the queue for sno-cones stretched the width of the park as kids and adults enjoyed the new facility.
Project manager, Moree Plains Shire Council’s parks and open space superintendent, Casey Smith, said the park’s design ensures everyone can access and enjoy the space, with fully accessible pathways, handrails and transfer points.
“Instead of one focal point, the park features inclusive play areas like a multi-purpose fort, double flying-fox with an accessible seat and a nest swing, allowing all ages and abilities to play together,” she said.
“Natural materials like locally sourced logs, balance beams and a large creek bed water-play area help keep the space cool and sustainable.
“There are shaded spots, plenty of seating and open areas for ball games and community events. This park is a great example of creative, inclusive design for everyone.”
The new park was designed in collaboration with the Touched by Olivia Foundation.
The foundation’s head of inclusive play, Kim Becherand, said Jacaranda Park is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can create an inclusive, intergenerational space.
“This park ensures people can come and play together and that adults, children and families all have the opportunity to enjoy the space,” she said.
“Play is so important and beneficial for everyone, and children are part of a family. They come to play-spaces with parents or grandparents and older siblings and family members, so we need to make sure adults enjoy the space as well.”
The foundation was established in honour of Olivia Perkins, who tragically died at the age of eight months of lymphatic malformation.
The creation of Livvi’s Place at Jacaranda Park was made possible through the support of the NSW Government as part of the Public Spaces Legacy Program, Variety the Children’s Charity and Moree Plains Shire Council in partnership with the Touched by Olivia Foundation.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, said the Public Spaces Legacy Program supplied nearly $700,000 towards the construction of the park.
“This new, inclusive play-space at Jacaranda Park is a place where everyone belongs, regardless of age or ability and will be a popular addition to the Moree community,” Mr Scully said.
“This funding contribution has helped council deliver a high-quality public open space asset that the Moree Plains community can enjoy for generations to come.”
