Specialist equipment for children with disabilities has been installed in a city park as part of a £480,000 investment by Bath & North East Somerset Council to improve play and outdoor family fun.
A new accessible swing at Alexandra Park | Photo courtesy of B&NES Council
A wheelchair-accessible roundabout, swing and ground trampoline have been installed at Alexandra Park in Bath, the first inclusive play area of its kind in the district.
The council has been working in partnership with community groups and parish councils on major upgrades to parks to encourage children to play outside more and improve their health.
As part of the investment, other areas benefitting include Shakespeare Road in Westfield and Kelston Road in Keynsham where major refurbishments are ongoing, new equipment in Writhlington and Peasedown St John, and a replacement zip-wire at Bath’s Victoria Park.
Councillor Paul Crossley said: “We know that space for physical and imaginative play is important to children’s development and health, so I am delighted to announce the large-scale improvements we are making to play areas in our district.
“We’ve also carried out a review and consultation of some of our play areas. I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation which we will be reporting back on.”
The play area improvement projects include:
- Alexandra Park, Bath – wheelchair-accessible ‘Ability Whirl’ roundabout, ground trampoline and four swings, one of which can attach a wheelchair. Tarmac path access to play area and toilet available. Capital funding of nearly £47,000.
- Kelston Road, Keynsham – a complete upgrade of play equipment, new seating and signage, football goals, path and safety improvements and tree planting. Work is expected to cost around £150,000 and funded by Section 106, Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and a Landfill Communities Fund grant from Enovert Community Trust.
- Shakespeare Road, Westfield – joint project with Westfield Parish Council to carry out £70,000 major refurbishment.
- Old Road, Writhlington – replacement slide.
- Eckweek Lane, Peasedown St John – replacement climbing unit.
The council has also been working with residents and community groups in Kensington Meadows, Calton Road and Ubley to submit funding bids.
