ACCESSIBILITY IN ACTION

A new playground in the heart of London delivers on a promise to create a genuinely accessible playground for local residents

Westminster City Council and Active Westminster have partnered to open the borough’s first fully accessible playground. Located in Westbourne Ward, the play space – manufactured, and installed by Playscheme, a family-run company based in York – was co-designed with local schools, parents and children. As a result, the playground reflects the community’s unique needs and aspirations.

The £162,000 refurbishment also blends traditional and innovative technology to create an inclusive environment.

Gracie, a young person involved in the consultation process, played a crucial role in designing equipment that accommodates wheelchair users. The climbing frame area, for example, is designed to accommodate wheelchairs, allowing children to engage in imaginative play together.

Other inclusive features include the ground-level Whirl Spinner, which offers easy boarding and seating for both children and wheelchair users, and the inclusive swing seat, prioritising safety and comfort for all.

Gracie said: “It was important to be part of the design because most playgrounds don’t have anything that kids who are in wheelchairs can play with.”

Sara, a local parent who spearheaded the initiative, emphasised the importance of shifting perceptions: “To effect real change in our attitudes and behaviours towards people with disabilities, we must focus on shifting perceptions.

“The best way to achieve this is by allowing children to interact with and learn from these differences, helping them realise that our shared experiences far outweigh our distinctions. I am proud to be a resident of Westminster, a borough that champions community initiatives to enhance the lives of all its residents.”

Steve Danby, Managing Director of Playscheme, added: “This has truly been a special project to work on. What a pleasure to have worked closely throughout with Christine Powell from Westminster Council. We are delighted with the result and that it has been so warmly received by the local community.”

The aim was to revitalise a community space, enhance wellbeing and encourage an active lifestyle by addressing barriers to outdoor play. According to Rafaella Bertollini, Assistant Head Teacher at the local Edward Wilson Primary School, the project has delivered.

“This is an incredible opportunity for the children because they participated in the consultation and in shaping the design of the playground. It’s interesting to see how they enjoy the playground and understand the purpose of these facilities like this bench which allows children in a wheelchair to sit and join other children.

We want to provide play areas that are accessible, inclusive, & welcoming to all families

“This is an amazing opportunity for them to see the completed refurbishment of the playground. It is also very insightful for them as it is the first playground that they have seen designed with children with disabilities in mind.”

Nafsika Butler-Thalassis, the council’s Deputy Leader, added: “I’m so pleased that we have renovated the Alfred Road Playground with accessible equipment. This will make it a much more welcoming environment for disabled children and their families and enable all our local children to play together and enjoy themselves.

“We know that many families of disabled children feel isolated, as accessing services and spaces is not straightforward and we want to do everything we can to provide play areas that are accessible and inclusive to all.”