New Roundabout Is Child’s Play For All Young People

Published on: 2 Apr, 2014
Updated on: 2 Apr, 2014

An exciting new children’s roundabout, offering accessible play for all, is now open at Sutherland Memorial Park in Burpham.

The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Diana Lockyer-Nibbs, joins officers and councillors to open new roundabout.

This year the Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Diana Lockyer-Nibbs, has chosen inclusive play as her theme and she is committed to improving children’s access to play.

She said: “I believe that all children should have access to a range of play opportunities which they can enjoy together safely. I’m delighted to open the new ability roundabout at Sutherland Memorial Park and I hope that all local children, including those with a disability, will enjoy spending time at the park with their friends and parents. As my mayoral project is that everyone will have a smile.”

Guildford Borough Council is promoting and celebrating inclusive play this spring through its own play services, with a focus on access to indoor and outdoor play for children across the borough. It is important to remember that the principles of inclusion apply to children of all abilities, ethnic and social backgrounds and ages, as people’s perceptions can often focus on disabled children only.

Cllr Matt Furniss, lead councillor for environment said: “We recognise that while not every child will always be able to take part in every activity, an inclusive service should offer everyone a choice of things to do. This has been a fantastic project to provide play equipment for children who previously could not take part locally.

“Events like Love Outdoor Play Week offer the chance to discover the fun of playing outdoors and our Playrangers after-school sessions welcome dozens of children from across the borough every week.”

The council’s FISH playscheme offers a week of action packed play and activities for 10- to 16-year-olds this Easter. FISH is suitable for all and offers additional support for young people with a disability or additional needs. To book, parents or guardians can visit www.guildford.gov.uk/fish

Guildford Playrangers deliver free weekly outdoor play sessions at five sites across Guildford every day in school term time. Activities include cooking on the firebowl, woodland crafts, bushcraft skills and playground games.