Livvi’s Place Jacaranda Park officially opened

The Moree community has celebrated the official opening of Livvi’s Place Jacaranda Park, a newly built inclusive playspace designed for everyone to enjoy and belong.

Moree Plains Shire mayor Susannah Pearse said the park 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.

“Council values diversity and connectedness as being important for our community, and this space offers an opportunity for kids to live happier, healthier lives,” Cr Pearse said.

With a pump track, half basketball court, barbecue areas, and plenty of green space for games and community events, there’s something for everyone.

Project manager Casey Smith said the design of this park 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 multipurpose fort, double flying-fox with an accessible seat and a nest swing, allowing all ages and abilities to play together,” Ms Smith 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.”

This new park is part of the Livvi’s Place national network, designed with the Touched by Olivia Foundation.

Kim Becherand, head of inclusive play at Touched by Olivia, said Jacaranda Park is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can create an inclusive, intergenerational space.

“This park ensures that people can come and play together and that adults, children and families all have the opportunity to enjoy the space,” Ms Becherand said.

“Play is so important and beneficial for everyone, and children are part of a family.

“They come to playspaces with parents or grandparents and older siblings and family members, so we need to make sure adults enjoy the space as well.”

Livvi’s Place Jacaranda Park is now part of the national network of close to 50 Livvi’s Place inclusive playspaces across Australia and was designed in partnership with the Touched by Olivia Foundation.

Touched by Olivia has led the way in inclusive play for more than 16 years to ensure all children, their families, friends and the wider community can play, learn and thrive together.

Touched by Olivia 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 Jacaranda Park was made possible through the support of the NSW government as part of the Public Spaces Legacy Program $1,106,899, Variety the Children’s Charity, in partnership with the Touched by Olivia Foundation $20,000 and the Moree Plains Shire Council $477,831.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said the funding contribution has helped council deliver a high-quality public open asset that the entire Moree Plains community can enjoy for generations to come.