Taylor Park Inclusive Play
Taylor Park Redevelopment Project
Weddin Shire Council, in partnership with the Touched by Olivia Foundation, is excited to announce the redevelopment of Taylor Park, creating an inclusive playspace that will serve as a key community hub. Proudly funded by the NSW Government through their Stronger Country Communities Fund (Round 5) and the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, this new playspace, known as ‘Livvi’s Place Taylor Park’, will join a national network of inclusive spaces established by the Touched by Olivia Foundation.
A Livvi’s Place is a welcoming, inclusive playspace where families and community members of all abilities can connect, play, and feel they belong. The Touched by Olivia Foundation collaborates with Councils and local communities to bring these truly inclusive playspaces to life, supporting accessible, community-centred destinations across Australia.
The redevelopment of Taylor Park will follow best-practice principles for inclusive play, incorporating essential infrastructure such as accessible paths, parking, recreation facilities, and nearby accessible toilets. The updated park will enhance existing features, creating an engaging place for the community to gather, socialise, celebrate, and enjoy recreational activities.
Recent Project Developments
On 31 October 2024, we marked a significant milestone with a ceremonial sod-turning event to officially commence the construction of ‘Livvi’s Place Taylor Park’. This event was attended by Hon. Stephen Lawrence MLC, Steph Cooke MP, Weddin Shire Councillors, community advocate Mrs. Emily Essex, and local supporters. Mayor Paul Best opened the event, which included a Welcome to Country by Aunty Julie Ferguson. Aunty Julie will also contribute to the park’s cultural design with unique story poles along the main walkway, celebrating the heritage of the area.
Mayor Best expressed appreciation for Mrs. Essex, whose initial request for an inclusive playspace in 2022 set this project in motion.
Community Consultation and Design
Extensive community consultation, led by the Touched by Olivia Foundation, was undertaken across the Weddin Shire community in May 2023. Through face-to-face meetings and an online survey, feedback was collected to gain a thorough understanding of current park uses, users, and desired improvements. This consultation helped shape the park’s redevelopment plan, ensuring it will meet the needs of all community members. A summary of the consultation feedback is available for viewing here.(PDF, 8MB)
The draft Masterplan was presented to Council in late 2023 and subsequently placed on public exhibition for additional community feedback. Four submissions were received, and adjustments were made based on the input. The final Masterplan, reflecting these refinements, can be accessed here.(PDF, 16MB)
Update
Work commenced on the project in March 2025 and the park will be reopening to the public in late October 2025.
An official opening will be held on Saturday 1 November 2025. More details about the official opening will be announced as they are confirmed.
Should you require any further information on this project please contact Auburn Carr or Claire McCann at Weddin Shire Council on 02 6343 2855 or claire@weddin.nsw.gov.au or auburn@weddin.nsw.gov.au