Bankstown City’s first all-abilities inclusive playspace is a step closer to becoming reality after Bankstown City Council and The Touched By Olivia Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to commence the project.

As part of the MOU, Council has pledged investing around $300,000 towards the playground to be constructed at the Bankstown City Gardens, with a similar contribution from The Touched By Olivia Foundation through fundraising efforts.

Before construction of the playground begins, Council will also invest a further $300,000 into providing new accessible toilet facilities on site.

Touched By Olivia Foundation Project Manager, Melinda Doust, said her organisation is excited to work with Council and the local community to bring to life Bankstown’s first all-abilities inclusive playspace.

“We know that creating such playspaces has positive impacts for people of all ages and abilities for decades to come,” said Ms Doust.

“This new playspace will be a special place where everyone in the region is invited to be part of, and we can’t wait to start the process of hearing about what the community want to see included in the playspace.”

Mayor of Bankstown, Linda Downey, said Council is determined to provide the new playspace that will be used by hundreds of able-bodied and disabled-bodied users.

“We have quite a significant number of people who have a disability across our city who will benefit from the new playspace,” said Mayor Downey.

“This project is going to be a great asset to our city and will really provide an avenue for families whose children have a disability to enjoy the challenges that will be provided.”

“It’s going to be both fun and beneficial to our children and will help families whom travel out of our area to access these special playgrounds.”

“We’re looking forward to working with The Touched By Olivia Foundation whom have already successfully worked with other councils to create these special playspaces across Sydney.”