Work has begun on stage one of the Levinable Project, which aims to make the Lincoln Place Reserve an accessible and inclusive space for people from all walks of life.

On Monday 28 April, the site was blessed, marking the start of the construction phase of the project after five years of community-led planning. The first stage includes an accessible toilet block, paths, and fencing and is funded by a $340,000 bequest from the Zena Elsie Orr Memorial Trust and $80,000 of Better Off Funding from the Government allocated to the project by Horowhenua District Council.

While further development of Levinable will be staged over time, the process to sell some of the park for universal design housing is under way. This is housing built in a way that is accessible to people with varying levels of mobility or at least able to be retrofitted to suit the accessibility needs of the occupier.

In 2018, the IHC Foundation approved use of bequest funds from the Zena Elsie Orr Memorial Trust for this project. IHC, Muaūpoko Tribal Authority and Fa’atili foe moe Le A’e - Pasifika for Tomorrow became the core partners and interviewed local whānau and parents, including tangata whaikaha and those with a diverse range of physical and neuro abilities.

Community feedback showed many whānau and parents are struggling to manage daily life with tamariki with diverse needs, and they can feel isolated and alone. They wanted a safe, non-threatening, accessible, and inclusive outdoor space for their tamariki to play while they sat and relaxed – a place to create a feeling of community and belonging.

The community-led ropu (group) approached Horowhenua District Council and Lincoln Place Reserve was identified as the preferred location for Levinable. This led to Council resolving in 2021 that “Lincoln Place Reserve becomes a mixed option of reserve land, home to Levinable accessible playground, and medium density housing”. An area in the east of the reserve was identified for future housing which would look out toward Levinable across the park on the west side enhancing safety.

Muaūpoko Tribal Authority chief executive officer Di Rump says MTA is proud and privileged to have been part of this special project and is committed to supporting its delivery. She says former Deputy Mayor Jo Mason and the families who took part in feedback hui deserve special thanks for their efforts.

“This will be an important universal facility for all whānau, tamariki, rangatahi, and kaumatua in our hapori,” she says.

“We remain very excited by this opportunity to work together to deliver great mutual outcomes, particularly contributing to the wellbeing of those members of our community who are often under-represented and underserved. This is the ultimate expression of partnership and of our values in action – as well as contributing to a more successful and thriving community for all.”

The lead group are working together with MTA to identify a name that can be gifted to the playground.

Horowhenua District Council Mayor Bernie Wanden says the Levinable project is a great example of different parts of the community coming together for a positive outcome.

“We’re extremely pleased to see this project under way and I’m grateful for the work of everyone involved, including IHC, Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, Fa’atili foe moe Le A’e - Pasifika for Tomorrow, and all the families who provided feedback when interviewed.”

IHC inclusive communities manager Suzanne Downes says It is exciting to see a community-led project five years in the making finally come to life.

“It is testament to our strong passion and determination to create a natural environment playscape for local families, children, and residents to enjoy that we have relentlessly persevered with the Levinable project all these years.”

The first stage of the project is expected to be completed in mid-to-late June. An area of the reserve will be fenced off, but members of the public can still access and walk through the rest of the reserve.

© Scoop Media