Gunnedah's Livvi's Place open for play

"Kyren's Bench" is just inside the entrance to the new inclusive playground, opened at Wolseley Park this morning, and he was quick to invite others to sit with him.

The $1.66 million play space was a long-held dream of Kyren's mum Ashley Bender, who envisioned a playground where children of all abilities could play together, including her son who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two.

This dream sparked a petition of 300 signatures, which she presented to Gunnedah Shire Council in 2013.

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With the help of the Touched by Olivia Foundation, the play space was designed for children of all ages and abilities.

Kyren said his bench was "the best one ever" and the playground was "so fun". His favourite piece of equipment was the flying fox.

His grandmother Jane Bender said it was "wonderful" that her daughter's determination had paid off and Kyren had been "that excited" in the days leading up to the opening.

Play equipment includes a treehouse tower, sensory garden walk, wheelchair-accessible in-ground trampolines, flying fox, accessible drinking fountains and barbecues, a raised sand table with wheelchair access, and a specially designed Expression Swing.

"It has been carefully and thoughtfully designed by committee members and inclusive playground experts," acting mayor Rob Hooke said.

"It's truly a historic moment for the Gunnedah community ... [and] a wonderful addition to Gunnedah's attractions for both local people and visitors.

"It is a place for people of all ages and abilities to picnic, meet and play together."

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the play space was "far removed" from those of the past and was for not only the young but also "the young at heart"

Mr Anderson said it would become "a destination point" and "attract people to Gunnedah".

The Stronger Country Communities Fund financed $850,000 of the playground cost, and the council committed $810,000 to the project.