Tara Murray
A Brimbank councillor has called on the council to consider creating more all abilities parks in the municipality.
Cr Maria Kerr raised a motion at the latest council meeting, calling for the council’s ‘creating better parks policy plan and review’ to focus on all abilities parks.
She said there was a need for more play spaces for families and children with disabilities.
“Currently in Brimbank there are no fully gated kids playgrounds,” Cr Kerr said at the meeting.
“We have an obligation to the community to support families and people with a disability.
“I would like to see fully functional and enclosed playgrounds in every ward, even though I was elected in Taylors ward.
“I see that there is a gap in this space in all wards in Brimbank. It’s really important families with kids with disabilities have the ability to take their kids to a park locally, and at this stage they can not.”
Cr Virginia Tachos said the council had the opportunity to become a leader in providing inclusive parks.
“A lot of parents have had continued anxiety about it and they haven’t been able to take children to playgrounds surrounded by water or other risks.
“It doesn’t make it easy for parents. There are groups looking to collaborate with the council for play equipment for all ability-type playgrounds.”
Cr Kerr also called for outdoor exercise equipment, especially for older people, at parks.
Mayor Ranka Rasic said it was the council’s goal to make sure they provide accessible, safe, fun and inviting public spaces for all Brimbank residents.
“Council will be seeking community input in reviewing the creating better parks policy and plan to provide accessible quality green open spaces that are safe for everyone, clean, and well-maintained outdoor spaces.
“We encourage everyone to keep updated and have their say when the consultation opens.”
She said that Alice’s Playspace at Errington Reserve in St Albans is an exciting inclusive playspace where children of all abilities and ages can play together, which the council worked on with local disability groups.
