04 Oct, 2019

Have Your Say on the Quentin Kenihan Inclusive Playspace

Community Engagement for the Quentin Kenihan Inclusive Playspace in Rymill Park is now underway to help create a great play experience for people of all ages and abilities.

Earlier this year the State Government announced $1 million in funding through the Planning and Development Fund to help the City of Adelaide turn Quentin’s dream into reality with the construction of an inclusive playspace in Rymill Park.

Quentin was a well-known disability advocate, actor, film maker and writer born with the bone disease osteogenesis imperfecta. He ran as a City of Adelaide Area Ward candidate in 2018 and inclusive play was a strong platform of Quentin’s campaign.

Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said the Quentin Kenihan Inclusive Playspace will be designed to meet best practice principles in inclusive playspace design.

“I’m very proud that, with the support of the State Government, we’ll bring Quentin’s vision to life and that our community will help shape a playspace for everyone to enjoy,” said the Lord Mayor.

“We look forward to seeing as many people as possible having their say and will also host an inclusive play day at Bonython Park where everyone can gather to have fun and provide thoughts about what will make a great playspace.”

Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink urged the community to put forward their ideas to help shape the new inclusive playground honouring Quentin’s legacy.

“The Liberal Government is thrilled to commit $1 million to such a worthwhile project and now we are asking the community to help us come up with ideas on how we design a fun and inclusive space suitable for all ages, abilities and cultures,” said Minister Lensink.

“Quentin fiercely advocated for an inclusive playground in the CBD so it will be fantastic to work with the City of Adelaide and the community to see his dream become a reality.”

Quentin’s sister Sia Kenihan said her brother was a passionate advocate for people with disabilities who wanted more than anything to bring this playground to life in his beloved home of Adelaide.

“To see his dream come to fruition will be an incredible achievement and he’d be utterly thrilled,” said Ms Kenihan.

“The inclusive play day is a great way for people to come together to express their thoughts and ideas to create a wonderful space that everyone can enjoy.”

Consultation for the playspace closes on Monday 14 October at 5pm. You can find out more about the project by visiting Your Say Adelaide.

Inclusive Play Day - Sunday 13 October, 10.00am to 2.00pm, Bonython Playspace, RSVP here.

Please note Bonython Park Playspace has been selected for the event location because it currently has the best disability access and some accessible play equipment.

Matt Halliwell