Council swings into action

Mayor Bob Abbot and Cr Debbie Blumel will officially open a new Liberty Swing at Rotary Park, Cotton Tree tomorrow, welcoming the generous donation from children’s charity Variety.

The Liberty Swing will enable children of all abilities to play together, and is only the second of its kind on the Coast. A third will open in Ayliffe Park, Golden Beach next week.

Mayor Bob Abbot said that the Liberty Swing works much the same way as an ordinary swing, but has been designed and engineered to accommodate a wheelchair.

“The Liberty Swing is a great invention that allows kids with disabilities to enjoy the freedom that able bodied children have always had access to,” Mayor Abbot said.

“All kids should have the same privileges and having fun on a swing in the park is no exception.

“The addition to the playground will put many smiles on the faces of children, families and their carers.”

Cr Debbie Blumel said that placing the swings in the right location was an important consideration.

“We had a number of possible locations across the Coast, but needed to make sure we chose an area that had facilities to complement the swing,” Cr Blumel said.

Swings will be located across the Coast in Noosaville Lions Park, Rotary park, Cotton Tree and from next week, Ayliffe Park, Golden Beach.

A ramp attaches to the swing so the wheelchair can be rolled on to it. The swing also features a set of instructions and diagrams showing how to use the swing safely.

The Liberty Swing includes a collapsible chair with a retractable harness-type seatbelt for those who are not necessarily wheelchair-dependent upon but who are unable to use a conventional swing.

Keys are required for access and are available to residents, visitors and disability service providers from:

Maroochydore Library 42, 6th Avenue Cotton Tree, Maroochydore

Council’s Customer Service Office 9 Pelican St Tewantin and Caloundra Office

Customer Service Centre - Omrah Avenue Caloundra

Caloundra Road Visitor Information Centre, Bulcock Street Visitor Information Centre

For enquiries regarding key registration, visit one of Council’s Service Centres or phone 07 54757272.

Proof of identity is needed to obtain a key. Keys are free of charge with one key allocated per customer. The Liberty Swing key provides access to all Liberty Swings throughout Australia.