It would be lovely to see inclusion at work everywhere. Imagine a world where you take your child with additional needs to a venue and not worry if there will be some way for them to be included in play. For years shopping centres (malls) have been developing small play spaces for children (a ploy to keep parents shopping longer and everyone happier). Many are soft fall climbing structures which don’t offer anything to a child with mobility restrictions.
It is fantastic to see that Touched By Olivia Foundation in conjunction with Stockland Mall is changing that.
Earlier this year AJ and I met some little friends and their Mum at Stockland Mall Baulkham Hills. We were meeting for afternoon tea but it also gave us a great opportunity to check out the play space, My Fun Land, which has been built with inclusive elements.
The wooden xylophone is just at the right height for little ones, kids in walking frames and wheelchair users.
Kids love mechanical things and here they can safely turn buttons, pull cords and press buttons.
Exposing all children to sign language and braille gives them the opportunity to learn about different ways of communicating. It’s also wonderful for children visiting the playground who use these forms of communication.
The playground is full of beautiful whimsical play equipment which will make children feel like they are the fairy or elf at the bottom of the garden. It’s so much more than your average shopping centre playground.
If you are in the area, why not pop in next school holidays and check it out.
LOCATION
The playground is at Stockland Mall Baulkham Hills , next to Little Rock Café making it an ideal place to get together with other families. While snacking on their kid friendly menu at Little Rock, kids can choose a book from the shelf to read hopefully luring them out of the playground for long enough to eat.
My Fun Land is a small, fenced, all weather playground suitable for younger children.
Let me know if you’ve already visited or when you do.
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