A new playground which caters for children with special needs has been constructed in Sydney made possible by $110,000 of pro-bono work completed by Aecom.

Specialists from Aecom’s landscape architecture, civil, structural, hydraulic and electrical engineering teams reviewed the council design and oversaw its further development, in addition to preparing tender and construction documentation, and providing construction services.

The “Livvi’s Place” playground at Yamble Reserve in Ryde is a project by the Touched By Olivia Foundation, and caters for children with a range of special needs relating to mobility, vision and hearing, as well as for children affected by spectrum disorders such as autism.

Aecom's new south wales managing director Ian Hosking said:

“We’re committed to giving back to the communities in which we live and work through Aecom’s Corporate Social Responsibility program,” he said.

“Public spaces like Livvi’s Place recognise the diversity within our local communities, and we’re delighted to be able to apply our skills so that those with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities and disorders like autism can enjoy everyday experiences that most children take for granted.”

Aecom director James Rosenwax said he and colleagues had learned a lot through their involvement in the project and associated partnership with the Touched by Olivia Foundation, and had gained additional insight into the challenges and achievements facing young people with special needs.

“I’d also like to thank City of Ryde for their leadership in providing this playground for the community. While it benefits those with real challenges in their lives, it is also a fantastic playground for any age or ability,” he said.

Livvi’s Place now joins an award-winning network of inclusive playgrounds across Australia, including sites in Five Dock, Campbelltown, Brisbane and Dubbo.

Madeline Prince

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