Park to get disability-friendly equipment

New disability-friendly equipment is to be installed at Greenisland play area in response to parental demand.

The park closed temporarily last week as refurbishment work to provide the new facilities commenced.

A budget of £100,000 has been set aside for the re-design, which will include a ground level inclusive orbit or roundabout, a swing suitable for children with back injuries, and a gravity bowl.

All the equipment is compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act, said Stephen Daye, Parks and Countryside officer with Carrickfergus Borough Council.

“The important thing was to find out the needs of parents and children in the local area, and there was a consultation over the play park as part of the Green Kids in Outer Space initiative in 2013-14. The equipment that is being installed was chosen in response to these needs,” Mr Daye said.

“There will be an all-inclusive orbit, which is a roundabout that will be flush to the ground to allow wheelchair access, a gravity bowl, and a ‘cradle’ swing for children with back injuries.”

The re-design will also include the installation of ground level games within the soft play surface, such as Snakes and Ladders. “We have something similar at the Marine Gardens play area,” Mr Daye added.

The park is expected to reopen next month.

Related topics: