All abilities playground splits Bayswater council

The P&C Association of Durham Road School, an education support school, asked the City for $20,000 towards a $35,000 Ability Whirl roundabout for its playground.

The association had already raised $15,000 for the equipment that would enable two children in wheelchairs, two children with disabilities and four other children play together.

A City officer’s report recommended the council decline the funding request as it did not meet its donations policy.

But the council eventually committed $5000 towards the project, which resulted in claps from the public gallery.

Cr Dan Bull said the play equipment would allow nearly a dozen children of all abilities play together.

“It’s a really important health and education service for disabled kids who will all use it every day,” he said.

Mayor Barry McKenna said while it was an expensive piece of equipment, it could make a difference to the “less fortunate” and was happy to spend $5000.

But Cr Brent Fleeton said while no-one disagreed it was a fantastic project, it was a question of who paid.

“This is a perfect project for Lotterywest; we could maybe assist with their application instead,” he said.