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Corrimal dad Sean Rapley is ecstatic Wollongong City Council will soon call for tenders to upgrade the Memorial Park playground.
Over the past 18 months, Mr Rapley and his wife, Rita, have helped design the Illawarra’s first inclusive playground, which will allow children of all abilities to play together in a fun, safe environment.
The couple have worked with the council, the Sydney-based Touched by Olivia Foundation and other families in the area to design the park – to be named Luke’s Place.
Mr Rapley said it would change the way his son Luke, who has multiple disabilities including autism, and hundreds of other children with disabilities interact with other kids.
‘‘This is going to be a place Luke can go and be safe and we won’t have to worry about him taking off.
‘‘He will also be able to play with typical kids in his neighbourhood – and especially his sister [Elanore],’’ Mr Rapley said.
A council spokesman confirmed it had entered a memorandum of understanding with the Touched by Olivia Foundation to deliver a playground for all children, including those with physical and intellectual disabilities.
The council will contribute $125,000 towards the development of an inclusive playground.
Meantime, the council will also begin work on the refurbishment of the Corrimal District Library and Community Centre following funding from the NSW Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme.
‘‘This funding will enable council to refurbish and upgrade the wonderful centre and library at Corrimal,’’ Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said.
‘‘It will help us to renew the existing kitchen, give the centre a new lick of paint, put down new floor coverings, upgrade the lighting, install a shade sail and renew a section of library shelving.’’