The NSW Government has released a new guideline and supporting website aimed at making play spaces across NSW more inclusive to ensure everyone, no matter their age or ability, can play.
Minister for Planning and Housing, Anthony Roberts, said the guideline was developed to ensure everyone gets a chance to enjoy quality outdoor spaces.
"The Everyone Can Play Guideline will help councils and designers create world-class play spaces that are inclusive for all people, regardless of age and ability," Mr Roberts said.
"Play is such an important part of a child's development. It shapes the way they interact with the world around them, enables them to learn new skills, make new friends and build self-confidence.
"Play is for everyone and the NSW Government is committed to empowering councils through funding and guidance to create world-class inclusive play spaces.
"We've committed $20 million over the next five years to help councils create great inclusive play spaces across NSW.
"The first round of funding has now been finalised, with 30 successful councils across the State chosen to share in $4 million of matched funding to deliver 34 projects for local communities.
"We're also helping councils green their communities through the Five Million Trees for Greater Sydney program," he said.
Commissioner of Open Space and Parklands, Fiona Morrison, said the guideline was created in collaboration with experts, architects, councils and families and would serve as a best practice reference guide to designing and creating play spaces that are inclusive of everyone in the community.
"With 1.3 million people in NSW living with a disability, an ageing population who is increasingly involved in the everyday care of grandchildren, and a multi-cultural society, play spaces should provide an inclusive experience for all," Ms Morrison said.
"Everyone Can Play gives everyone - no matter how young or old, no matter their ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds - fair and equal access to play.
"We're also supporting the Everyone Can Play program with the launch of a new website that contains case studies, experiences from people who've benefited, up-to-date news on our work, a copy of the guide and resources for experts," she said.
