A ground-breaking architecturally-designed children’s playground, celebrating nature, biodiversity, and inclusion, has opened at Australian developer Novm and Capital Corporation’s Woolooware Bay waterfront community in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire.
Livvi’s Place at Bay Central, in partnership with the Touched by Olivia Foundation, is a playground inspired by the local nature, including the Woolooware Bay mangroves, Cronulla’s beaches and Indigenous history. The playground is a vibrant and inclusive space for children of all abilities to play, learn, and connect with their community.
Novm CEO and Executive Director Adrian Liaw said the completion of Livvi’s Place is incredibly special as it provides an intergenerational space where parents, grandparents and children can play together, fostering a true sense of local community and identity.
“The opening of this extraordinary playground marks another significant milestone for Woolooware Bay and Cronulla communities, reflecting their unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity, community spirit, and the well-being of their children,” he said.
“It is a testament to the power of collaboration, local expertise, and the shared vision of creating a space where every child can thrive.”
To celebrate the unveiling, a grand opening was held for local families on 25 July. There were plenty of fun activities for the children such as face painting, bubble blowing, and morning tea provided by Bay Central Woolooware shopping centre tenant, Bakers Delight.
Speeches from representatives of Livvi’s Place, Novm and Bay Central Woolooware’s Centre Management opened the event.
“It’s wonderful knowing that children of all abilities can play and learn with all members of their families, interact with other children and have memorable experiences at this special playground when they visit Bay Central Woolooware,” said Heather Baard, the centre’s manager from Savills Australia.
The playground is one of the final and most significant piece of the project, making its imminent completion. Woolooware Bay’s fourth and final stage – which includes 13 commercial suites and a 245-unit residential complex – is now complete and in the process of being settled after more than a decade in the making.
Local knowledge informs design
Liaw paid tribute to the playground’s designer, passionate long-time Cronulla local and landscape architect David Vago from habit8, for seamlessly blending elements of nature, culture, and local sports while providing exceptional amenity to the Woolooware Bay community and Cronulla Sharks fans.
The giant shark structure honouring the Cronulla Sharks rugby league team
Children visiting the playground will have the opportunity to climb, slide and explore a giant shark structure, which pays homage to the local Cronulla Sharks rugby league team and club.
A range of other engaging and interactive play equipment has been carefully designed to stimulate children’s creativity, physical activity and social interaction.
Elements such as the nature walk provide a unique opportunity for children to learn about and appreciate the natural world around them, while Zoe’s magical fairy garden and musical instruments inspire children to use their imagination and develop interactive and socialising skills.
Touched by Olivia Foundation helped inform the design of the playground, providing expertise on inclusive features that will ensure all children, families and the wider community can participate and enjoy Livvi’s Place at Bay Central.
Additional features, such as accessible pathways and picnic facilities, sensory play areas and inclusive seating options, extend the inclusivity of the amenity.
Inclusive design created in partnership with the Touched by Olivia Foundation
Traditionally a destination for essential household items, Bay Central Woolooware is the perfect case example of a local centre with diversified offerings, catering for health and wellness, leisure and entertainment and family-oriented activities. In the face of the growing online shopping trend, the centre provides an appealing physical destination beyond retail.
Several restaurants and food outlets have opened recently, including Dilara Kebabs; Ishq Café, Bar and Dining; Golden Bay Asian; Levain Sourdough Pizzeria; KFC; Crown Tea; Burger Point and Camy’s Chicken.
Future offerings include a medical precinct, including Woolooware Bay Medical Centre, Priceline, Cardiology Associates, and Bay Central Dental, which are all opening soon – as well as UFC Gym.
