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NEW Inclusive Adventure play area
The new play area is now open for all to enjoy!
Further to the play area passing it’s post installation inspection on the morning of 14th July 2022, and the soft opening the same afternoon we are delighted to formally announce Parson’s Close Recreation Ground New Play Area is NOW OPEN for all to enjoy!
This exciting project follows the earlier installation of a Changing Places facility in the park, allowing adults or children with profound disabilities, who cannot use standard accessible toilets, the opportunity to spend time in a beautiful green space with a range of facilities appealing to all ages and abilities.
With the summer finally upon us, why not take the family to Parson’s Close Recreation Ground soon and discover for yourself the exciting new play area!
Background
The Town Council had a long term aspiration to increase the availability of accessible play equipment in the parish. This has led to the gradual installation of more accessible play equipment over time in a number of Town Council owned play areas.
As the town’s most centrally located, most popular and most visited park, it has long been the intention to develop a fully inclusive adventure play area in Parson’s Close Recreation Ground, in which children of all abilities and needs can play together – including playing at height. This aspiration forms part of the Town Council’s Five Year Plan and Objectives for 2019-2024.
In recent years the Town Council has invested in a gradual improvement of the facilities in Parson’s Close Recreation Ground. The programme has included:
- Turning the original temporary beach into a permanent fixture
- Replacement of the safety surfacing for the Splash ‘n’ Play facility
- Building a new block of individual public conveniences including baby changing facilities
- Enhancing the refreshments available to park visitors by offering two concessions; one for food and beverages and one for ice-cream
- Liaising with the local authority to successfully obtain funding for a fully accessible Changing Places facility, which provides a safe and comfortable facility for those with even the most profound disabilities and conditions
How did the project design come about?
The Town Council chose to specifically approach contractors with proven experience in designing accessible adventure play. Ideas from other locations were considered and feedback was sought from local groups and organisations with a focus on meeting additional needs, whether physical or mental.
The design mainly fit’s inside the existing play area footprint, with a few pieces of equipment aimed at older children located outside the fenced area.
The design will allow children of all abilities to play together in a safe space which provides fantastic play value with exciting use of colours, different types of equipment and spaces for both quiet time as well as group play.