Disabled access will drastically improve at two key City of Wanneroo community facilities, after the City was successful in its bid to receive more than $165,000 under the Federal Government’s Accessible Communities initiative.
While the popular Opportunity Playspace – complete with specialised wheelchair-friendly playground equipment - is already accessible for all abilities, a universal access toilet block will be constructed at the site.
Wanneroo Deputy Mayor Tracey Roberts said the City received $82,441 for this project, and the City will contribute the other 50 per cent of the project cost.
“The 2003 Survey of Disability Ageing and Carers estimated that Wanneroo had over 1,949 children with a disability under the age of 14, and more than 900 with a profound limitation to core activities,” Cr Roberts said. “Since this time, the City has grown by about 8000 people per year, and therefore we need to continually provide services for all members of our community.
“Since it opened in 2008, the Opportunity Playspace has become extremely popular and was even rated WA’s third most popular park by a Playgroup WA Poll in 2010.
“The City is thrilled that the Playspace will be further improved with the universal access toilet block, and remove a significant barrier to participation for children requiring the use of accessible toilets.”
The City of Wanneroo will receive a further $84,171 for the installation of an accessible lift in the Kingsway Indoor Stadium, while the remainder of the $170,000 project will be covered by the City.
The new lift will replace the existing one in the complex, which has been deemed inadequate for users experiencing mobility difficulties or who require the use of mobility aids.
“Kingsway Indoor Stadium hosts a variety of activities as well as specialised programs such as Sportslink, which is specifically designed for children with disabilities,” Cr Roberts said.
“As a regional hub for activities the centre provides access to physical activity for the significant population of adults and children with disability in Wanneroo, which is estimated to be more than 16,500.”