Abbey Gardens: Winchester parent says park is not inclusive

Claire Brown visited Abbey Gardens play area shortly after it re-opened with her family, including her six-year-old daughter Isla who lives with severe global development delay and complex epilepsy.

The park, in The Broadway, was refurbished by Winchester City Council from September to May to be more accessible. However, Mrs Brown said she had to put Isla back in her special needs chair due to only being able to use three pieces of equipment unassisted.

The mother from Abbotts Barton said: “I don’t like it at all. It was a really sad affair and it is not a place I will be rushing back to.

READ MORE: Abbey Gardens play area in Winchester finally reopens

“The council has been throwing around the word inclusive but it wasn't. We put Isla in her special needs chair on the roundabout and it did not look safe. I feared it would tip off if I left it.

“We had to lift Isla up to go on the slide, same as before, and she’s getting really heavy now so I can’t hold her for a long time. It’s not fun for us.

“My eldest son loved it but he’s an able-bodied child. It’s really sad that I had to put Isla in her buggy and leave her to watch the others.”

The parent previously spoke to the city council, after the design plan was released for the park in December.

Mrs Brown continued: “Since our conversations the council has been liaising with a woman who is campaigning for more accessible parks across the country.

“It’s good that they are taking advice on board and hopefully their mindset on inclusivity should change now that they’re more aware. Hopefully, we'll see these improvements in future developments.

“The council needs to broaden its horizon and better consider wheelchair users. It’s all a learning experience for them. Other parents have agreed that the new play area is not inclusive.”

​SEE ALSO: Winchester parent criticises inclusivity of Abbey Gardens playground

Cabinet member for inclusion and engagement, Cllr Kathleen Becker, said: “Feedback about the playground has been very positive, so I am sorry that this parent continues to feel that the playground equipment isn't suitable for her child. 

“When designing our play areas, we plan for them to be as inclusive as possible, to cater for a range of abilities and disabilities (both visible and invisible).

“Following feedback earlier this year, we added into the design an accessible roundabout and an accessible swing will also be added in the coming months - it’s the first of its kind and still in final testing with the manufacturer. Our communication board has been very popular too, to aid children who use Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS).

“We always seek advice from experts when designing play parks, and we listen and act on feedback from residents. Our focus is designing parks which can be used by as wide a range of users as possible.”