New All Abilities playground opens in Texas

A new All Abilities Playground, located at Texas on Queensland’s southern border, is now open to the public.

Minister for Disability Services Annastacia Palaszczuk today officially opened the Texas All Abilities Playground in Broadway East.

Ms Palaszczuk said the new playground would break down barriers by allowing children with a disability to participate in outdoor play with other children.

“This is a win for Texas children and their families, and a win for regional and rural Queensland,” Ms Palaszczuk said. “The playground will bring together children of all ages and abilities to experience fun and challenging play with their family and friends.

“It’s the third of 16 All Abilities playgrounds to be opened in Queensland under a Statewide program. The Bligh Government is investing $4.6 million to deliver the playgrounds by the middle of 2010 in partnership with local regional councils.

“It’s part of our commitment to ensure Queenslanders of all abilities have access to safe and enjoyable recreational opportunities.”

Ms Palaszczuk said the Bligh Government contributed $367,750 to the Texas playground project, with the Goondiwindi Regional Council contributing $40,000.

“The design is inspired by the town’s history with unique features like sand and water-play areas modelled on the old Silver Spur mine.

“The Texas All Abilities Playground has been entirely purpose-built, with input from the local community. It’s a safe place where children of all ages and abilities can have fun in the outdoors with their friends and family.”

Goondiwindi Regional Council Mayor Cr Graeme Scheu said the community deserved to celebrate as it was instrumental in designing a first class, inclusive play space, free from many of the physical and social barriers of traditional playground.

“About 250 local residents, including 85 students from Texas State School, took part in activities aimed at capturing the community’s views and aspirations for the park, including open and children’s workshops, focus groups and surveys,” Cr Scheu said.

“We were able to build turn ideas into reality and build an inclusive space that celebrates our people, our past and our future.

“I’d like to congratulate the Texas community on the great role it played in getting this wonderful project off-the-ground.”

Minister’s Office Martin Philip on 0488 741 689