Norwich City Council urged to make more accessible parks

Now the council is being called upon by city parents and organisations to provide more inclusive park equipment after a recent spending spree on play areas.

Children with special needs and disabilities (SEND) are not being considered when parks are built or revamped according to some - Picture: The Hamlet Centre (Image: The Hamlet Centre)

Robyn Hall lives in Bowthorpe Road with her three-year-old daughter Phoebe, who has cerebal palsy, says the lack of accessible features at city parks is "soul destroying."

The 36-year-old said: "It's really frustrating because there are hundreds of children that can't use many of the facilities in parks around the city.

Robyn Hall, with her daughter Phoebe West and dad, Peter West - Picture: Robyn Hall (Image: Robyn Hall)

READ MORE: Wensum Park play area in Norwich reopens after revamp work

"It feels like they're forgotten about and don't deserve somewhere to play.

"With Phoebe's cerebal palsy she can't climb or walk particularly well, so having a second-storey sensory board is useless.

Thousands of pounds have recently been spent by the Norwich City Council on revamping play parks recently - Picture: The Hamlet Centre (Image: The Hamlet Centre)

"I'm not saying there should be SEND-only parks because that's not inclusive either but the council need to be more considerate on how they spend its money."

A spokesman for Norwich City Council said: "Inclusive play will be a key focus of the new strategy, ensuring new play areas cater for all abilities wherever possible.

Phoebe enjoying one of the more inclusive swings in Norwich - Picture: Robyn Hall (Image: Robyn Hall)

"We are currently consulting on upgrading the play area in St Georges Street, with proposals which will include inclusive play equipment.

"People can have their say here."

READ MORE: New children's play area opens in Douro Place, Norwich

Jade Wright has worked with additional needs children her whole life and currently works at The Hamlet Centre - Picture: The Hamlet Centre (Image: The Hamlet Centre)

Jade Wright works with children who have additional needs at The Hamlet Centre and added: "The lack of inclusive parks is something I discuss with families all the time.

"Places like Wensum Park are fun and well-loved but there's hardly anything there for SEND chidren.

The Norwich City Council say that inclusive play will be a key focus of its new strategy - Picture: The Hamlet Centre (Image: The Hamlet Centre)

"It's not about taking anything away from able-bodied children but there needs to be more accessible features in parks.

"Nice parks are being built all around the city but it would be nicer if they were built with all children in mind."

The Hamlet Centre offers a range of services for babies and young adults with disabilities and complex health needs - Picture: The Hamlet Centre (Image: The Hamlet Centre)