On Saturday 18th December this new inclusive playground, designed and installed by Sutcliffe Play, was officially opened by Town Mayor Councillor David Chace and Lloyd Parvin-Blackstone.
The design of the playground has been based on the outcome from a public consultation and has been designed for children up to the age of 14 years, it includes specific features to ensure that all children can fulfill their play needs irrespective of their perceived ability.
When the Littlehampton Town Council launched its public engagement in 2019, 10-year-old Lloyd, who has autism, wrote to the Council expressing his desire for a playground where everyone could play with a slide, a swing and a sensory thing that everyone could use, even in a wheelchair. Lloyd added: “I think parks should be for everyone, the disabled and able. We like playing together.”
The Council worked hard to incorporate Lloyd’s views, which were very much aligned with those from the survey, into the improvement plan. Sutcliffe Play were awarded the contract following completion of a competitive tender process and a presentation to the Town Council’s Community Resources Committee. Members were particularly impressed by our enthusiasm for the project and willingness to adapt our design to meet the brief.
Councillor engagement further contributed to additions within the playground most notably the sensory path, which further expands the offering to a wider demographic. We have continued to work with the Council to deliver a first-class inclusive play facility. Simon Preston, Area Sales Manager for Sutcliffe Play commented: “Inclusive play is our speciality, and we knew we would be able to deliver a playground with all the key features that were identified in the public consultation, and more. Seeing the vision of everyone involved become a reality is exciting and we know the playground will have a long-lasting positive impact on the community for many years to come.”
Speaking about the project, Chair of the Community Resources Committee, Councillor Billy Blanchard-Cooper said: “I am absolutely thrilled with the playground especially how Sutcliffe Play has managed to create a fun, safe and inclusive space for children of all ages and abilities. This new facility will bring much life to Rosemead Park and provide hours of fun for children and families. After the year we have had, it is nice to end it with something so positive for the whole community.”
