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Inclusive Playgrounds

Council has specifically designed a number of our playgrounds to be inclusive and for all abilities, including three with Liberty Swings where kids (and adults) in wheelchairs can feel the wind in their hair! 

There are over 215 public playgrounds across the Northern Beaches, each offering different elements, play equipment, setting and accessibility. These playgrounds offer our community choice to sue a facility that suits individual needs.

How to use a Liberty Swing

  • To start the ride, reverse the wheelchair as far as possible into the capsule and apply the brakes or disconnect power.
  • Place the occupant into the seat and fit the seatbelt.
  • Attach the wheel restraint chain to the wheel by passing it through the wheel and pulling it back tight over the hook.
  • Turn the knob clockwise to create additional tension. If the chain is loose, release the knob and pull the chain tighter over the hook. On some wheelchairs you may have to use the steel structure underneath to secure the chair. The seatbelt is located in the box at the back of the capsule.
  • Secure the occupant by using the side support anchor points.
  • Unlock the on/off device using the MLAK key, and lift to release the swing.
  • To push the swing, stand in the area marked to the side of the swing (not the back).
  • Enjoy!

Download the Liberty Swing brochure

Resources

Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK)

The Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) has lots of information about the program that allows 24/7 access to accessible public facilities for people with a disability. People with a disability (or written authority) are able to purchase an MLAK key which will open all toilets, playground equipment and other facilities fitted with a lock that uses the special MLAK cylinder. View the criteria and order a key

National Toilet Map

The National Toilet Map website shows the location of more than 14,000 public and private public toilet facilities across Australia. Details of toilet facilities can also be found along major travel routes and for shorter journeys. Useful information is provided about each toilet, such as location, opening hours, availability of baby change rooms, accessibility for people with disabilities and the details of other nearby toilets. Get information from 1800 990 646 (within Australia) or helpline@toiletmap.gov.au

WheelEasy

WheelEasy know access information can be difficult to find, so you may be missing out on lots of things you could be doing, simply because you didn't know they were there. WheelEasy pools all this information in one easy to use mobile friendly site.

More information

Please email disability@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au or contact Community Development on 1300 434 434

Beach Wheelchair Loan Application

A Beach Wheelchair or Freewheeler is a wheelchair with soft balloon tyres that rolls easily over sand and even into low waves. It can be hired by a support person, so a person with disability aged 5 years and above, can enjoy a great day out on the beach with family and friends.

Beach Wheelchairs are available at Manly, Collaroy, Newport and Bilgola beaches and are free of charge.

To book for Manly and Collaroy beaches, you can make a booking request via the below online portal links and select a date and time you would like to hire the beach wheelchairs:

Beach Wheelchair - South Steyne Beach

Beach Wheelchair 1 - Collaroy Beach

Beach Wheelchair 2 - Collaroy Beach

Pool Wheelchair - Collaroy Beach Rockpool

 

To book for Newport and Bilgola beaches, contact the relevant surf clubs directly:

For more information, contact the Open Space Bookings Team on 02 8495 5009 or OpenSpaceBookings@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.

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