Devonport City Council, in collaboration with Variety Tasmania, the Touched by Olivia Foundation, and the Mersey Bluff Playground Working Group, invites community collaboration on the new Mersey Bluff inclusive playspace. This exciting initiative will create a welcoming and accessible space where the community can come together, play, and thrive.
Mayor of Devonport, Cr Alison Jarman, highlighted the importance of this public consultation, stating, “With support from our partners and expert consultants, Playce, we’re committed to creating a space that reflects the wishes and needs of our community. We encourage residents and organisations to join us in this vital phase of planning.”
The public consultation includes a survey open for 4 weeks to gather ideas on playground features, along with drop-in sessions for further community input.
Naomi Ralph, from the Devonport Inclusive Playground Committee (DIPC) said, “I am excited we have finally reached this milestone. The DIPC has wanted to share our vision for a safe and inclusive playspace for all community members, no matter the age or ability. We are excited to be working with all the stakeholders of the project to see our dreams become a reality. I know this will be a fun and enriching space in which my family will gather for years to come that will also meet the needs of families like ours. We strongly encourage everyone to have input so they can say ‘we helped build this space’”.
Council is honoured to be strengthening our relationship with Variety Tasmania who are a key collaborator on this initiative, bringing a wealth of experience and resources to the project. Variety Tasmania CEO, Mohammad Aldergham said, “This project is about providing an equal opportunity for all children to enjoy the benefits of play in attaining their full potential and we’re excited to work alongside the Devonport community to bring this vision to life.”
Touched by Olivia’s Head of Inclusive Play, Kim Becherand added, “Inclusive play ensures everyone can participate in and enjoy play together. Making new friends,
learning about and from each other and valuing each individual’s role in creating a more inclusive world is what we are all about. We are thrilled to be working with our first Tasmanian community to create a playspace that reflects these values and look forward to adding the Mersey Bluff playground to the Livvi’s Place national network of inclusive playspaces.”
The public consultation will conclude at 5pm on Wednesday 27 November 2024.
How to Get Involved:
Complete the survey online, printed or by phone: Click here to submit feedback online.
Printed forms can be dropped off at Council Offices or posted to PO Box 604, Devonport 7310.
Feedback can also be given via phone to Carol Bryant, Executive Officer, 6424 0517.
Attend a community drop-in session: Community drop-in sessions will begin Wednesday 6th November 2024. Other sessions will be announced shortly through Council’s social media channels and website.
Background:
The renewal of the Mersey Bluff playground is part of Council’s broader strategy to foster a more inclusive Devonport for generations to come.
Stage One of the two stage project includes development of conceptual and then final designs, based on community input, and preparation of final construction documentation.
Council has allocated $550,000 in its forward capital works program for construction and will actively seek external funds for the balance of the adopted playground design.
The Melbourne-based landscape architect firm, Playce, have been appointed to complete Stage One of the project.
A project working group has been established to ensure the needs and values of the Devonport community are reflected in the planning and design process. Project working group includes representatives from:
- Devonport Inclusive Playground Committee
- Keeping Our Families Strong
- Devonport Access and Inclusion Working Group
- North-West Support School
- Devonport Childcare Centres Inc
- East Devonport Child and Family Learning Centre
- Mission Australia/NDIS
- And community members living with disability or facing barriers to inclusion.
Project partners also include Variety – the Children’s Charity Tasmania and the Touched by Olivia Foundation. Touched by Olivia has successfully partnered with many local governments across Australia to build inclusive playspaces known as “Livvi’s Place”. These facilities are thriving destinations where everyone feels welcome and that they belong.