Council pushes ahead with plans to make play areas accessible to all

Rugby Borough Council has joined forces with Wicksteed, the UK's leading manufacturer of outdoor play equipment, to host the event in Caldecott Park on Friday 16 August.

The event aims to raise awareness of the work the council has already done to increase play area accessibility and find out community organisations' and residents' experiences of visiting play areas in the borough.

During the event, visitors can speak to members of the council's parks and open spaces team, with representatives from Wicksteed also on hand to showcase the company's range of accessible play equipment, answer questions and hand out goody bags.

And with accessible play the order of the day, the council's Play Rangers join the event to offer a wide range of fun and games for all the family.

The consultation event follows a notice of motion tabled by Cllr Louise Robinson, ward councillor for Admirals and Cawston, at a meeting of full council in March, where the council backed plans to hold the event and committed to creating a set of design principles to inform all future play area installations and maintenance.

Cllr Robinson, the council's portfolio holder for growth, investment, digital and communications, said the issue of accessibility at council play areas was recently raised by a resident in her ward.

"After speaking to the resident, we visited a number of play areas in the Admirals and Cawston ward and looked at accessibility through the lens of a user with cerebral palsy," Cllr Robinson said.

"While for many years the council has embraced opportunities to improve accessibility, we wanted to make a firm commitment to focus on accessibility and crystalise this commitment through an agreed set of design principles.

"That's why we want to hear from community organisations and residents about the 'lived' experience of visiting our play areas, so we can make sure our design principles meet the needs of our communities and improve accessibility and inclusivity, while reducing gender bias."

The recent refurbishment of Whitehall Recreation Ground demonstrates the council's work to improve accessibility, with ramps leading to the refurbished bandstand, extended picnic benches to cater for wheelchairs and a wheelchair-accessible roundabout.

The council has also followed the accessibility guidelines from the Green Flag Awards, Fields in Trust and Make Space for Girls, a campaign which calls for inclusivity to be placed at the heart of play area and public space design.

Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for partnerships and wellbeing, said: "Accessible playgrounds inspire everyone to play together, engaging everyone and encouraging interaction with others, no matter how different."

Cllr Neil Sandison, Rugby Borough Council's Liberal Democrat spokesperson for partnerships and wellbeing, said: "We do hope people can get involved in this consultation so we have a better understanding of the accessibility needs of the community.

"If you're unable to attend the event due to other commitments, please email your thoughts to us so we can engage with as many people as possible."

The consultation event takes place at the bandstand in Caldecott Park from 10am to 12 noon. All welcome to attend.

Residents who wish to take part in the consultation can also email contributions to talkinthepark@rugby.gov.uk