Accessible play equipment installed in Rye

NEW accessible play equipment has been installed at the Fair Salts play area in Rye to help improve access for children with mobility issues.

The new equipment, provided by Rother District Council, includes a new wheelchair accessible roundabout, play panels and an inclusive seesaw. All the new equipment is accessible to wheelchairs directly from the playground’s main path.

Additional short pathways to improve access to more of the equipment have also been created between the new roundabout and the existing multi-play climbing frame as well as from the new seesaw to the swings.

The council considered two options at the end of last year for the playground improvements.

Residents were invited to vote for their preferred proposal, and the design from leading outdoor play company KOMPAN was the chosen option. The new play apparatus has been designed to be as barrier free as possible to ensure all children can use the equipment easily.

The play area has a wide range of equipment from toddler swings and spring animals for younger visitors to an aerial skate unit and climbing unit for older children and teenagers.

Rother District Council maintains more than 30 public outdoor play facilities.

Councillor Hazel Timpe said: “Every child should be able to experience the joy of playing.”