Liberty swing lets kids learn to fly

Liberty swing lets kids learn to fly

There is a pretty good chance that when we look back on our childhood we remember carefree days at the playground on the swings with friends.

But imagine, for a moment, having to sit on the sidelines, unable to join in as all the other kids laugh and have fun.

Until recently, children with physical and some mental disabilities have had to do just that – just watch on.

It was a 13-year journey for Liberty Swing inventor, Wayne Devine, but his efforts have seen the creation of a truly remarkable piece of equipment.

Thanks to Wayne, children in wheelchairs can now experience the thrill of flying through the air on a swing, wind against their faces.

After much success in various locations around Australia, Pyrmont residents have rallied together for a Liberty Swing of their own.

“I have never seen the community so tangibly behind a project,” Greens councillor Irene Doutney said at a December 9 council meeting.

“I beat you to it!” she boasted to Living Sydney councillor Angela Vithoulkas, who has also actively supported the installation of a Liberty Swing in the City of Sydney LGA.

Ms Doutney was approached by Friends of Pyrmont Point seeking approval from council to introduce the Liberty Swing at Pirrima Park.

“The group had raised almost half the money…but needed council approval to make their fundraising tax deductible and their dream become a reality,” she said. “We had just passed the Access Strategy which calls for more inclusive measure across the city to end barriers to those with a disabilty.

“This project, initiated by the community, funded by the community and which aimed to provide a much needed asset for wheelchair- bound children seemed like an obvious project to support.”

Spearheading the community movement for the swing is local resident Vicki Reed, who earlier this year organised an event for more than 100 people to “kick off” fundraising efforts for the Liberty Swing.

“In conjunction with the [adults] luncheon, we also had a small childrens party where we used a portable Liberty Swing for the kids to try out and for the grown ups to see what it was all about,” Ms Reed said.

About a thousand signatures have been collected in favour of the swing.

But the proposal has not been without difficulty. ­Councillor Robyn Kemmis moved to block the swing from Pirrima Park, arguing the proposed location at the periphery of the park would alienate children. This was amended by Linda Scott to offer council support for the swing “at a park in Pyrmont”.

“This will ensure the motion is passed with support and the location details can be worked out at a later date,” she said.

Ms Doutney told City News Pirrima Park is the best location.

“It’s better to have a swing on the edge of the park than have no swing at all,” she said.

The debate comes at a proactive time for council with regard equality of access for disabled members of the community.

Ms Vithoulkas has recently asked the chief executive officer, Monica Barone, to investigate the possibility of installing a ramp access to the shaded seating area at Prince Alfred Park.

“While the designers have given exemplary consideration to addressing the particular needs of people in wheelchairs and those with infants and young children in the changing facilities and amenities block, the shaded seated area is only accessible by stairs,” Ms Vithoulkas said.

The pool at Prince Alfred Park is the City of Sydney’s first fully accessible heated pool, including an accessibility ramp into the water.

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