This project has been a long term aspiration, with information published to the public on the Town Council website throughout the process.
The “Big Plan”, the Town Plan published in 2007 following consultation with some 2,500 residents, included the proposal to pro-actively replace worn out play equipment and add new items to existing playgrounds. The Plan also sought to secure improvements in services for families caring for children or adults with severe, complex and continuing needs.
The possibility of adventure play was suggested in both the 2007 Big Plan and the updated “Big Plan II”, published in 2011 as the Town Plan for 2011-2017.
More recently, the Town Council’s Five Year Plan and Objective for 2019-2024 includes the specific aspiration to develop adventure play in Parson’s Close Recreation Ground.
In developing this plan, the Council commissioned a survey of 500 residents in Autumn 2018. 87% of respondents were supportive of the aspiration to provide great open spaces with a wide variety of sport and leisure activities. This was the third most popular area of focus for the Town Council amongst those surveyed. Comments made during the survey also highlighted a need for facilities for disabled children and an acknowledgement of the importance of parks and play areas for residents of all ages.
The Town Council holds an Annual Parish Meeting each March which is an open opportunity for any comment or question from residents. At the meeting held on 18 March 2019, a specific question was asked about the provision of accessible facilities for wheelchair users in Parson’s Close Recreation Ground.
In accordance with best practice requiring local council transparency, the Council publishes all Council and committee meeting agendas, reports and minutes and welcomes public attendance at meetings for residents to give their feedback and to ask questions. The inclusive adventure play project has been discussed at a number of meetings leading up to the present day.
In January 2020, the Town Council formally adopted an Equality Statement (link to it) and this further strengthens its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in our community. The inclusive adventure play project will provide a fantastic facility which will be accessible to all and which will provide a much needed opportunity for families with children of differing abilities and needs to play together.
The Town Council provides grant funding to a range of local community, voluntary and charity organisations each year and works closely with those organisations. In terms of additional needs provision this has included Autism Bedfordshire, Freddie and Friends Sunshine Stop, Mencap, Home-Start Central Bedfordshire, the “Yes We Can” disability sport programme facilitated by the Rotary Club of Leighton-Linslade, the MS Society, the 1st Bedfordshire Inclusive Girlguiding unit and Beds and Luton MIND. Feedback from partners such as these has been taken on board throughout the process of working towards this objective.