New Elara Playground set to make a splash with locals

Stockland, together with national charity partner the Touched By Olivia Foundation, today celebrated the start of construction on a $3.2 million all-inclusive, water-themed playground at its Elara community at Marsden Park.

Designed in collaboration with the Touched By Olivia Foundation, Blacktown City Council and Marsden Park Primary School, Livvi’s Place Elara will include accessible structures, sensory spaces and inclusive equipment to ensure children of all abilities can play together.

Adjoining Elara’s $8.5 million multi-play sports fields and state-of-the-art facilities building, the new 7,400 square metre playground on completion will feature an expansive water play zone, along with a range of equipment for active, social, sensory and educational play.

Richard Rhydderch, Stockland General Manager NSW Residential Communities, was joined by Justine Perkins, Founder of the Touched by Olivia Foundation; Hon Ed Husic MP, Federal Member for Chifley; Prue Car MP, State Member for Londonderry; and Clr. Brad Bunting, Acting Deputy Mayor of Blacktown, to officially turn the first sod for the playground.

Richard Rhydderch said: “Stockland is committed to creating vibrant and liveable communities for everyone, and it’s great get started on bringing to life what will be truly inclusive, fun space for families as our Elara community grows.

“We’ve collaborated with the community from the very beginning to design a unique place that we believe sets a new standard for fun, inclusive play in North West Sydney.

“As part of this process we worked closely with students at Marsden Park Primary School to find out what their favorite park equipment is and how we could make Livvi’s Place the perfect park for local kids.

“With more than 2,000 residents already calling Elara home, we know Livvi’s Place will be enjoyed by residents and neighbouring suburbs for years to come.”

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “Blacktown City Council is proud to be involved in bringing an all-inclusive facility to the community.

“As one of the fastest growing areas in NSW, the importance of a playground catering to the needs of a very important part of our community cannot be underestimated.

“I congratulate all parties involved including Stockland and Touched by Olivia for the collaboration and design of Livvi’s Place.”

Touched by Olivia Founder, Justine Perkins, said: “With one in five Australians living with a disability, we are thrilled to continue working with Stockland to create inclusive parks both in NSW and across Australia.”

“Our playgrounds provide easy access and fun, stimulating play areas – but they’re really about celebrating the ability all children, parents and grandparents share in playing and having fun.

“We hope that if kids can start on a level playing field, playgrounds like this will help children of all abilities play together and lead more active and happier lifestyles as part of an inclusive community,” she said.

Livvi’s Place Elara and the adjoining state-of-the-art facilities building are expected to open in early 2019.

Notes to editors

Livvi’s Place Elara has been designed for children of all ages and abilities, with key pieces of play equipment including:

• Musical features such as steel drums, tubular bells and talking tubes;
• All abilities carousel, a ‘Dutch Disk’, sway fun glider and a trampoline loop
• Adventure play elements such as a flying fox, climbable netting, spring see-saws, slides and swings
• Nature based features to encourage tactile play including rocks and a native garden.

About Elara

Elara is a thriving new community under construction in Sydney’s north western growth corridor which offers a wide range of innovative and affordable housing options and a picturesque lifestyle with views to the Blue Mountains.

Located just 15 minutes from Blacktown’s centre, Stockland’s existing Elara community is currently home to more than 2,000 people and on completion will include close to 4,000 homes, more than 10,000 residents, a town centre, several playgrounds, a community centre, sports fields, childcare centre and schools.

For more information on Elara visit the Sales and Information Centre at Elara Boulevard, Marsden Park, go online at www.stockland.com.au/elara, call 13 LAND (13 5263) or follow the community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/elaracommunitymarsdenpark.

About the Touched By Olivia Foundation

Founded in 2006 in memory of Olivia Perkins, Touched by Olivia believe that all children, regardless of ability, can lead healthier and happier lives. Touched by Olivia advocate for an inclusive society, through its national network of inclusive play spaces and social enterprises that provide training and employment for people with disabilities.

Working with the Touched By Oliva Foundations, Stockland has now created 11 accredited inclusive playspaces in retail and residential communities across four states.