Press Release
Date: 20 August 2021
Brentwood parents have praised the council’s new Junior Play area at King George’s Playing Fields two months after it opened.
Brentwood mum Claire Cresswell said; “My 6-year-old son Riley has ASD & Hypotonia (low muscle tone) and has been loving the new playground at King George's Park. The swings are great for him! It is lovely to visit such an inclusive playground with sensory elements & equipment for all abilities and it is so nice to see a swing and roundabout suitable for wheelchair users. The play equipment makes a great difference to my sons day - it is a fantastic way for him to use energy up as he is always on the go! Using the playground equipment such as swings, spinners, trampolines, balancing equipment helps to improve his core strength & coordination as well as helping meet his sensory needs. We have visited several playgrounds over the summer & King George's is definitely our favourite! Such a large range of play equipment as well as lots of sensory elements. Riley attends a SEN school and it is lovely to see a playground that is accessible to all children at his school. It is definitely the most inclusive playground we have ever visited.”
The council worked with HAGs and Short Breaks to develop the £265,000 play area, ensuring that it is inclusive and has play opportunities for children of all ages and abilities.
Lynette Gomes who is also a Brentwood resident said; “My daughter Alyssa has epilepsy, severe learning difficulties and is reliant on a wheelchair. Alyssa loves the swinging motion you get from being in a swing so having a swing she can sit in supported or stay in her chair allows her to join in the fun. She loves bouncing so going on a trampoline or anything that bounces make her smile. Having the equipment at King George’s Playing Fields means both her and her brother can play together rather than her stuck in the chair on her own. This the first public park I have been to that has the wheelchair swing as the only other one we have been to needs to be booked in advance. There was a great variety of equipment at King George's rather than just one or two pieces meaning we could spend longer than 5 minutes there. The main thing for me is for flooring and equipment to be accessible and inclusive so that both my children can have fun.”
Chair of Community and Health Committee, Cllr Cliff Poppy said; “It is great to hear of children getting so much from the play schemes. Inclusivity in play areas is fundamental to children's development and wellbeing allowing them to connect with others in a positive way, relieve feelings of stress, stimulate creative thinking and exploration, boost confidence and just have a great time with other children. Working with HAGs and Short Breaks we have made sure a broad range of imaginative and inclusive play opportunities were included so that all our children, particularly those with physical or sensory challenges can enjoy the scheme.”
Inclusive play and equipping children of all abilities was important to the development of the scheme. The new additions to the Junior play area, include a Spinmee Inclusive Roundabout for different ages and groups so younger children can sit and enjoy the ride accompanied by their parent or carer, Mirage Swing Seat which boasts an ergonomic design and is great for children with cerebral palsy, as well as numerous play panels to stimulate cognitive activity.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Some of the special equipment at the Junior Play area at King George’s Playing Fields include:
**Spinmee Inclusive Roundabout: The Spinmee Inclusive Roundabout is accessible to those with mobility impairments as well as wheelchair users. Its rotating base is flush with the surrounding safety surface allowing for easy transition between the surfaces. The design of the roundabout allows for both seated and standing users while also featuring 2 locations that can securely accommodate wheelchairs.
**Swings Mirage Seat for swings: The Mirage Seat was designed together by HAGS and the White Lodge Centre SEN school. A lot of children who struggle with mobility or a type of physical disability may find a swing uncomfortable because the user needs to hold themself up therefore the inclusive mirage seat is designed at a 30-degree angle which encourages the body sit comfortably and feels secure. This seat is not designed to look like a “special seat” but designed to be like a rally car or fighter pilot seat .The mirage seat has levelled bars on the back of the seat so that young, juniors and small adults can use it and can adjust accordingly to size of user
**Sensory Play Panels: These panels are designed to be inclusive, allowing users to explore their senses for all ages and abilities.
**Accessible swing: Wheelchair Swing has been created to allow wheelchair users to exercise their independence. Once in position, you can take control of the swinging momentum using the accessible rope and enjoy play at your own pace. This is a unique fun experience for children in wheelchairs, which is also easy for parents and carers to operate where necessary.
As part of the Council’s 5 year strategic play investment programme the new Junior play area is the latest addition to the scheme which includes:
** King George’s Playing Fields has a new £150,000 toddler area and £265,000 Junior area
** River Road Play Park has had a £150,000 upgrade
** Warley Playing Fields has a new £290,000 play equipment area that includes a range of new and challenging play equipment, landscaping and an outdoor gym
** Courage Playing Fields underwent a £90,000 makeover with a new tower unit and climbing frame and sensory equipment installed.
** Hutton Recreation will get a total of £320,000 spent on refurbishment
** North Road will get a £175,000 renovation – Consultation will take place this summer and works should commence this winter 2021/ 2022 (Dec – Feb)
** Crescent Road play area a £250,000 new scheme will be developed for 2022/2023 financial year
** Ingrave Johnstone £100,000 new scheme will be developed for 2022/2023 and £175,000 at Bishops Hall new scheme will be developed for 2023/2024