Bernie Mullane Reserve

We visited Livvi's Place at Bernie Mullane Reserve in Kellyville shortly after its major $2 million upgrade was completed in April 2025, and we were genuinely impressed by the scale and quality of the transformation. Funded by a NSW Government Western Sydney Infrastructure grant and delivered by the Hills Shire Council, this playground is part of the Touched by Olivia Foundation network. Every element has been designed to be inclusive for children with mobility impairments, sensory sensitivities, and developmental differences — while being genuinely thrilling for all children who visit.

The centrepiece of the 2025 upgrade is an accessible multi-activity play tower featuring multiple slide exits at different heights, climbing elements of varying difficulty, and platforms connected by bridges that create exciting elevated pathways. A double flying fox allows two children to race side by side, which our kids immediately declared the best feature of the entire playground. Multiple slides of varying lengths and speeds cater to different confidence levels, from gentle options for cautious beginners to faster descents for experienced sliders. Climbing nets provide upper-body challenges, swings for toddlers and older children sit side by side, and in-built mini trampolines flush with the ground offer a bouncing surprise that delights children of every age. The wide flat paths connecting every element throughout the playground are suitable for wheelchairs, walking frames, and prams, ensuring nobody is excluded from any part of the space.

A musical play walk features instruments including drums, chimes, and xylophones that children activate as they move along a dedicated pathway. This is a beautiful sensory experience that is particularly engaging for children with vision impairments or autism, and our children spent a surprising amount of time creating compositions and rhythms. A cool tunnel provides shade and a calm retreat space for children who need a break from stimulation — a thoughtful design touch that shows the genuine depth of inclusive planning behind this playground.

The large shaded water play area is a major highlight during warmer months. Tipping buckets, water jets, and spinning water spouts create hours of splashing fun that keeps children cool on hot days. Unlike many playground water play areas across Sydney, this one has shade structures overhead — essential during Kellyville's intense Western Sydney summers when unshaded water play can mean sunburn within minutes. The splash pad operates daily from 8am to 8pm during the warmer months and is closed during the winter season.

A Liberty Swing — a wheelchair-accessible swing operated by a carer — ensures children who use wheelchairs can experience the joy and freedom of swinging alongside their friends and siblings. This is one of the features that makes Livvi's Place genuinely special rather than simply ticking an accessibility compliance box.

The playground is fully fenced with gates that are straightforward for adults but secure against young children escaping unnoticed. Access for families with disabled children is excellent, with wider-than-normal gates throughout and multiple disabled car spots positioned right in front of the playground entrance on Marella Avenue. The 2025 upgrade also introduced an accessible amenities building complete with a Changing Places room featuring an overhead hoist, shower, toilet, and ambulant unisex cubicles. Additional shade sails, picnic shelters, and accessible park furniture were installed throughout the broader precinct.

The Bernie Mullane Sports Complex provides additional facilities including sports fields and a small footpath circuit suitable for scooters and balance bikes. For food, the Kellyville Village shops are a short drive away with cafes and takeaway options for families wanting to refuel after a big play session.

Bernie Mullane is the premier inclusive playground in the Hills District and North West Sydney. For families with children who have additional needs, or simply families who want a beautifully designed and feature-rich playground with water play, fenced security, and modern accessible amenities, this is an essential visit that will comfortably fill an entire morning or afternoon.