Sophie Wallace, 2, Cath Porter holding 9-month-old Pippa Wallace and Hannah Wallace, 4. 120809LP13 PICTURE: LEANNE PICKETT
MOTHER of three Cath Porter wants every child to enjoy the simple fun of a swing.
Ms Porter is part of a campaign to get an all-access playground for Warrnambool.
She said she was flicking through Facebook when she saw a child with a disability on a swing.
“I swear the look on her face was like my own, the child was so happy,” she said.
“There is so much pleasure from the simple act of a swing.
“For some reason I found it quite overwhelming.”
Ms Porter said although the playground was the main goal, in the short term she wanted to see a swing installed for children confined to wheelchairs.
“Our aim is to have an all-abilities playground,” she said.
“It’s about $10,000 to $18,000 for a swing and about $50,000 for a playground
“But what price do you put on a child’s happiness?”
Ms Porter said Lake Pertobe was an option but there was also a lot of potential for a playground at Brierly Recreation Reserve.
The Warrnambool All Ability Playground (WAAP) group met yesterday and said there was potential for the playground at Lake Pertobe, Brierly Recreation Reserve, the playground in Derby Street or a playground in Harris Street.
The initiative has gained support through Facebook with more than 800 people supporting the all-ability playground campaign.
“There has been fantastic support,” Ms Porter said.
“Others have offered to help with fund-raising.
“Touch wood, we’ve been very lucky in terms of health.
“I don’t know why this has touched me like it has.
“I’ve just decided to push for it.”
City councillor Jennifer Lowe said the concept had her support and she welcomed any form of playground renewal. “Lake Pertobe is world class but it has lapsed in terms of its renewal,” she said.
A spokeswoman for Warrnambool City Council said there had been discussion with the fund-raising groups on making playgrounds more accessible for everyone.
“Council has an accessible playground policy to ensure people with disabilities can access our playgrounds and that suitable equipment is installed,” she said. “Lake Pertobe currently has some play equipment accessible to children with disabilities.”
To support the campaign or for more information visit the Warrnambool All-Ability Playground page.
cquirk@standard.fairfax.com.au
