A Withcott community group is seeking support to realise its vision of establishing an all-inclusive access playground for Lockyer Valley kids.
Withcott and District Progress Association had launched a fundraiser to raise $25,000 for installations at Jean Biggs Park in Withcott.
The fundraiser had already garnered $15,000 from community donations for the inclusive equipment, which will go towards chair access to its cableway play equipment.
Withcott and District Progress Association president Michelle McKenzie said fundraising for the park began in 2022 after Lockyer Valley families desired an all-inclusive access local park.
“A couple of local families approached the Progress and said that there weren’t any spaces nearby in the Lockyer Valley that they could access for their kids to take part in, and these children, in particular, are in wheelchairs,” she said.
“We started to work on getting some equipment that they could access locally and not have to go up to Toowoomba or drive to Plainland’s to access playground equipment.
“As a community we have successfully installed a universal carousel, musical equipment and nest swing into our local playground.
“All of these are installed as wheelchair accessible to encourage inclusive play.
“We are currently trying to fundraise for a double cableway, which will have one with a seat that young children and those needing more support can access and one with a toggle seat so that two people can fly down the playground together.”
Mrs McKenzie said the fundraiser had unfortunately experienced a substantial de-pledge but was confident the total would be met.
“We had someone that was backing us, and they’d offered us $20,000,” she said.
“Unfortunately, that person has just pulled out, which has brought us all pretty much back to the start.
“It’s a big community effort, it’s not just about the progress, it’s about the whole community coming together to try and fundraise for the park.
“We have to purchase the equipment, and then Lockyer council will assist us with installing the equipment.”
People can go to www.gofundme.com/f/jean-biggs-park-upgrade-inclusive-equipment to contribute to the fundraiser.
