In a heartwarming tale of determination, community collaboration and unwavering dedication, construction has begun on Wollongong's groundbreaking All Ages All Abilities playground at Stuart Park.
Led by the University of Wollongong's (UOW) Associate Professor Shoshana Dreyfus, this project is set to transform the landscape of play for adults with disabilities, fostering inclusivity and joy in a space designed just for them.
Shoshana, a linguistics specialist and academic at UOW, embarked on this remarkable journey inspired by her 28-year-old son, Bodhi, who has a severe intellectual disability. Bodhi's inability to communicate verbally prompted Shoshana to envision a place where adults like him could experience the sheer delight of play without limitations.
Recalling the spark that ignited the project, Shoshana said, "I noticed that parents would pull their children out of the way of my older son, which really upset me. This is where the idea came to me.”
She said that many carers take those with intellectual disabilities to the park because it is free, outdoors and great for play.
The journey was not without its challenges.
Shoshana faced the task of securing support from state politicians, local councillors and the broader community. The turning point came when Shoshana, armed with a booklet of images depicting the discrepancy between playground equipment and the needs of young adults, presented her case to Wollongong City Council. The concept began to take shape and The Playground Project gained momentum.
With the support of partners such as the Disability Trust, Wollongong City Council and both state and federal governments, the dream of an inclusive playground started to materialise. The project garnered funds from a variety of sources, including government grants, business contributions, and community donations.
However, it wasn't just financial support that fuelled the project's success. The community's engagement and dedication were instrumental. In 2021, UOW's Community Engagement Grant facilitated consultation with young adults with disabilities, ensuring the playground's design was not only practical but also resonated with its intended users.
Shoshana emphasised the importance of involving individuals like her son in the design process.
"We researched all the state-of-the-art parks in Sydney and found people like my son to include in research and take to parks. They showed us which equipment resonated with them and the features they preferred," she said.
The result is a playground that caters to various sensory experiences, ensuring that the space provides enjoyment for all its users.
Features like a large-sized in-ground trampoline, multi-swing with different swing types, a sensory garden and Wollongong's first human-sized mouse wheel have been designed to create a unique and inclusive environment.