We are thrilled to announce the official opening of our new communication board on 28 June at Wilfred Taylor Reserve. This milestone marks the culmination of an 18-month journey that has been both challenging and immensely rewarding.
Our involvement began when Nat Cook’s office announced funding for the development of an inclusive playground. We quickly volunteered to contribute by designing and installing a communication board aimed at supporting Deaf, hard of hearing, and linguistically diverse members of our community. Our goal was to ensure everyone can access and enjoy the playground fully and meaningfully.
This project has been a labour of love for the Fit N Well community. Over the past 18 months, we have participated in numerous planning meetings and engaged with local council members, politicians, and community members to highlight the critical importance of communication boards—not only for enhancing accessibility but also for supporting children’s mental health and fostering a strong sense of community connection.
Research clearly shows that children who feel connected to their community experience better mental health and well-being. Inclusive play spaces provide families with opportunities to interact, children to play together, and everyone to learn about the strengths and diversities of children with additional needs. This fosters a culture of empathy, understanding, and inclusion that benefits the entire community.
We are proud to say that the communication board at Wilfred Taylor Reserve is the first of its kind, and we hope it will be the first of many. Our mission is simple but powerful:
No family should have to ask, “Where can we take our children to play?” Instead, we want families to confidently ask, “Where would you like to play?”
We extend our deepest gratitude to Nat Cook and her dedicated team for their ongoing support and partnership throughout this journey. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with community groups, organisations, schools, and individuals who share our vision of inclusive play in Adelaide.
Together, we can build a more accessible, welcoming, and joyful environment for all children