The concept for an Inclusive Play-Space in Ballarat came from the community in 2012 and was driven through the City of Ballarat’s Disability Advisory Committee.
The aim of the project was to create an environment where all children and adults, regardless of ability could play. An inclusive playground enables children, parents, grandparents, and carers of all abilities and ages to socialise and play side-by-side on the same equipment, in the same environment. It is not a dedicated playground for people with disabilities but a play space designed for the use and benefit of all community members, ensuring full integration of children and families and improved community connections.
In 2016 the Inclusive Play-Space was opened. It is an environment of accessible play, and facilities (including an Adult Changing Place) and the amenities have been created with the additional benefit and reassurance of being enclosed in a fenced space, yet a design outcome that provides the freedom and feeling of not feeling fenced.
The Inclusive Play-Space has become a great hub of socializing, playing, and is an example of what can be achieved in a community. The play-space was an LGPRO Award winner in 2017.
