Frasers Property’s Five Farms community gets new inclusive park

A new inclusive park has opened at Frasers Property Australia’s Five Farms community in Clyde North with a party for residents and neighbours featuring a petting zoo, food trucks, face-painting and more.

Silo Park is part of the national network of more than 45 Livvi’s Place inclusive play spaces across Australia. The park was designed in partnership with the Touched by Olivia Foundation, a non-profit organisation whose mission is to improve the wellbeing of individuals and communities through inclusion and belonging.

Touched by Olivia was established in honour of Olivia Perkins, who tragically passed away at the age of eight months from Lymphatic Malformation. Touched by Olivia has led the way in inclusive play for over 16 years to ensure all children, their families, friends and the wider community can play, learn and thrive together.

Sarah Bloom, General Manager Development Victoria, Frasers Property Australia, says the partnership with Touched by Olivia will have benefits for all members of the community.

“Silo Park will be used by residents from across Clyde North and beyond because it’s such a well-designed and carefully considered space where kids and adults of all ages and abilities can play together, or find a space just for them,” she says.

“I can imagine teenagers using the half-court while their younger siblings are on the play tower and parents and grandparents are making a barbecue dinner.”

Kim Becherand, Head of Inclusive Play at Touched by Olivia, says Silo Park’s thoughtful and clever design provides play opportunities for all to enjoy plus fantastic amenities, so everyone will feel safe, welcome and that they belong.

“Play is important and beneficial for everyone, and children are part of a family. They come to play spaces with parents or grandparents, so we need to make sure adults enjoy the space as well,” she says.

“That means every Livvi’s Place playground is fenced, has great seating, shade, toilets and play equipment we can all play on together, along with beautiful landscaping. Silo Park is a perfect example.

“This Livvi’s Place is truly intergenerational and has a wonderful connection to place,” Kim says. “The focal point ‘silo’ play tower features ramps and graduated stairs so all children and adults can join in the fun on the upper play decks. The sustainable use of natural materials and the most beautiful fence we have ever seen, shows how creative inclusive design can be.”

Kim says simple inclusions that may not sound exciting can make a world of difference in ensuring everyone has the same play opportunities, citing the handrails installed in the nature play area at Silo Park.

“They offer a little extra support to balance if needed, so everyone can join in or safely supervise on what might be uneven ground.”

Other inclusive features at Silo Park are quiet zones providing a place to regroup and have time out, an accessible sandpit with varying heights for adults and children, continuous connecting accessible pathways, natural materials and calming colours, communication boards and visual mapping, ambulant toilets, accessible barbecues, seating and parking.

“Frasers Property has been a fantastic partner. They walk the talk on inclusion,” Kim says. “They really see diversity and connectedness as being important for their communities, and they know that we all need to play more and get outside and enjoy time with our kids to live happier, healthier lives.”

The park also features a multi-use half-court, green space for kicking a ball or throwing a frisbee, sandpit, trampolines, swings, undercover barbecue area with picnic tables, drinking fountains, fixed fitness equipment, slide and play tunnels.

New buyers and local families alike are looking forward to using the park. Jodie Milnes, mum of Kira, 15, and Lucas, 10 says it will provide play opportunities for both of her children.

"It's so important to have play spaces and community gathering spaces like Silo Park. Here my teenage daughter can play independently without adults having to hover to help her use the space. She is safe and able to try new things and mix and play with others her age. Her younger brother also has plenty to enjoy and explore. We can come as a whole family, stay for a good while and most importantly play and make friends with others in our local community," she says.