As a result, designs were drawn up for a play area at Hyndburn Leisure Centre dedicated to disabled children.
Cabinet member for Parks, Cllr Ken Moss, said, “Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum has helped several Hyndburn communities raise funds for badly needed children’s playgrounds since it formed in 2005 but never one quite like this one, which will not only be the first of its kind in Accrington but the first of its kind in Lancashire, the Northwest and beyond. This is a playground for disabled children who, through no fault of their own, are unable to use the fantastic playgrounds scattered around the borough that most parents take for granted.”
The Parks Team also enlisted the assistance of HGSF, Inclusive Play and Hyndburn Leisure Trust and consultation began on the type of play equipment and ancillary facilities that were required.
Cath Holmes, Secretary with HGSF remembers Shirley Parkinson, HBC Parks Department Liaison Officer, initially bringing the proposal to HGSF. “I’ve never seen Shirley so passionate about a project. That rubbed off with Forum Members, many of whom have children or grandchildren themselves, so straight away there was an understanding, a common theme. The Forum gave it their full backing and is as determined as the Hyndburn Parents and Carers Group to make it a reality.”
Shirley went away to research what equipment was available and found a company – Jupiter Play and Inclusive Play - to help with the design what is a very special Sensory Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) playground specifically designed to meet the needs of disabled children, whilst allowing their more able bodied siblings to play with them.
Shirley told us: "As a mum myself I was often close to tears when talking to some of the Hyndburn Parents & Carers and learning of the problems they were experiencing in a trip to the park or playground. I have worked for over 10 years with Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum securing funding for worthy community projects, but for this project we desperately need the public’s help.”
Play is an important part of any child’s childhood, so when HGSF learned there was currently a group of young people that were denied the opportunity to go to their local park and have fun with their family and friends, they just had to get involved.
Sarah Lewis, Parent Carer and Chair of Hyndburn Parent and Carers Forum, said “The park will allow our son to play safely, independently and most importantly we would be able to have fun as a family which we can't currently do in mainstream parks. He has no sense of danger, low muscle tone and other medical problems that restrict his play and he continually gets frustrated because he can't use the majority of the play equipment. I have to follow him around everywhere to make sure he doesn't hurt himself. Having a safe environment where he can use all the equipment would be amazing, not only for Oliver but for all families. We've been working so hard with fundraising and raising awareness. We've done numerous fundraising events in the last 12 months want to make sure everyone has heard about what we are trying to achieve."
The special schools across Lancashire told the project that although they have the means to take the children out on school trips, it’s almost impossible to find the facilities that could cater for the different range of disabilities so the opportunities are very limited. The Parks Team and HGSF looked at how it could help this very special group of young people.
HGSF are endeavouring to raise the necessary funds to turn this dream into a reality and this is where it really needs help - even a small amount puts us one step nearer – as does talking about the project, gaining support and momentum.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said, "We already have several award-winning parks in the borough but are difficult to use for those children who have disabilities. This new play area will be for those children to enjoy in safety in addition to the other playgrounds that most of us parents take for granted."
Hyndburn MP, Graham Jones said, “This particular project would be a first for the UK and as parents of disabled children tell me, a great asset for the local sub region. The levels of safety required for children with such challenges is quite different and a normal playground just presents a huge risk to worried parents, so much so they often are reluctant to take disabled children there. This playground is much needed.”
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