Merimbula's Livvi's Place now open

Hundreds of people, including children, parents and grandparents, gathered at Ford Park to see the cutting of the ribbon at Livvi’s Place. 

Livvi’s Place is the result of a partnership between Bega Valley Shire Council, national charity the Touched by Olivia Foundation, Merimbula Rotary, the Primary Club of Australia, local organisations and the NSW Government.

Member for Bega, Andrew Constance, Bega Valley Shire mayor Michael Britten and Merimbula Rotary president Bill De Jong all gave speeches at the event but the highlight of the day was the attendance and presentation by Touched by Olivia founders Justine and John Perkins. 

Merimbula’s Livvi’s Place is the 19^th Touched by Olivia Foundation inclusive play space in Australia but Ms Perkins said it’s opening was just as special as the first. 

“There is such a beautiful community in Merimbula and the play space really is wonderful,” Ms Perkins said. 

“Not only is there a lot to do at the park itself but it’s location is perfect, it’s near the beach, an oval and cafes, it was just all really well done.”

Livvi’s Place is an inclusive play space that invites people to play side by side, regardless of their ability and ever since it was opened to the public on Friday, March 25 it has been packed with local and visiting children.

Mr De Jong of Merimbula Rotary said the crowded playground means Livvi’s Place has received the tick of approval from younger generation. 

“The opening of Livvi’s Place was an absolutely fantastic event,” he said. 

“The playground has been well supported by the local community and it was terrific to see so many people, including lots of kids, come out to show their appreciation to all the work that was went into Livvi’s Place.”

At the event speeches were shared, confetti canons were detonated, faces were painted, a free barbecue run by Merimbula Rotary was enjoyed and of course the palyground was full of young smiling faces.