Olivia's First Playground

For those who know me or have been reading this blog, you will know that I’ve been on a journey the last couple of years - a journey that back dates to November 2006 when 8 month old Olivia Perkins passed away.

In March 2007 we launched the Touched by Olivia Foundation through our first butterfly ball and we announced to the world our vision to build an all-abilities playground in Timbrell Park, Drummoyne – the local playground to the Perkins family.

Later in the year, we had our first family fun fair with Dora, kiddie rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, all-day entertainment, stalls galore (and a special crystal stall :))). It was a day for the community and it turned out to be a great day but in truth we had been a little concerned, none of us having experience in organizing a community fair and the day forecasted to rain (and it did not!)

In 2008, a second butterfly ball happened and the local community of Drummoyne wanted us to organize the family fun fair again… and we did :)

This year we’ve moved the ball to a slicker location and in these economic times, we achieved great things. $150,000 was raised and given to the Sydney Children’s Hospital where two positions focusing on lymphangioma (the condition Olivia suffered from) have been created.

All the while there have been endless talks with the council, community consultation, inquiries with sponsors, lengthy discussions with playground experts, quiet organizing and planning in the background.

And now we’re here.

On Sunday 15 November of this year, that playground we first dreamed about will be launched…. stemmed from the support of the local council, the local community, numerous sponsors including Leighton Constructions who is actually building the playground pro bono, the support network of the Perkins family, the support network of Touched by Olivia, the TBO family, my family and friends who have shared this personal journey with me.

It feels good to tell people that this is now happening. For those who were at that first ball, I hope they remember the way I do, how little we knew, how much we’ve learnt, how indeed we’ve grown.

I still remember that call from Justine (Olivia’s mum) not long after Olivia’s funeral. I took that call on my balcony and not long after, Justine, Phil and I were sitting around the lounge room of my Burwood apartment sticking up post-it notes on the walls. It marked the milestones to launching Olivia’s foundation, this Touched by Olivia Foundation and Justine’s dream to achieving this playground inspired by Olivia.

It’s been sometime coming. I am a little teary at the thought but I am quietly excited.