Swinging fun for wheelchair users
Published on 25 February 2021
Mornington Peninsula Shire is excited to announce a new addition to Lawson Park, Rosebud. A Liberty Swing was recently installed allowing wheelchair users to experience the joy and therapeutic benefits of swinging.
The award-winning Liberty Swing is Australian made and the safest and most recognised swing for children and adults in wheelchairs. The neighbouring disability support service Gen U was consulted and requested the swing as a preferred play item for the park.
The swing was funded by the Shire and is one of the actions in the 2015 – 2020 Playspace Strategy, as well as one of the objectives of the Disability Inclusion Plan 2018 – 2022: All members of the community can enjoy the leisure and recreation options the Peninsula has to offer.
Wheelchair users can find the swing at Lawson Park on Leon Avenue in Rosebud.
An MLAK key is required to operate the swing.
More information:
Master Locksmiths Access Key – MLAK
Accessible Beaches and Recreation
Quote attributable to Councillor Antonella Celi:
“Great results are achieved when the Shire in consultation with the Disability Advisory Committee and Gen U create an inclusive playground for all abilities.
“With the installation of a Liberty Swing there will be lots of fun and play that will bring a smile to all the users and their carers.”
Quote attributable to Councillor Debra Mar:
“Everyone deserves to have fun at the playground. The Liberty Swing allows wheelchairs to be easily rolled onboard and securely attached, allowing children and adults in wheelchairs to experience the joy and exhilaration of swinging in the air.
“This is one of many great outcomes of our Playspace Strategy”
Quote attributable to Councillor Kerri McCafferty (Councillor delegate on the Disability Advisory Committee):
“Adults and children living with a disability have every right to be able to access community parks just like everyone else. It’s wonderful to see the collaborative work of the Disability Advisory Committee and the Shire rolling out successful endeavours such as the Liberty Swing. I look forward to seeing more of it.
“The benefits of the Liberty Swing go beyond just having fun, it’s has created a place of inclusion and has great therapeutic benefits.”
Photo: L-R: Anna Krasicki, Shannon Pullinger, Debra Bartholomeusz, Cr Kerri McCafferty, Stuart Guthrie, Cr Debra Mar, Cr Antonella Celi, Michelle Peck, Elyssa Gunn and Alex Christie.