MORE than half of families in Northern Ireland with a child with a physical, learning, sensory, medical, undiagnosed or complex need are unable to use play parks as often as they would like, a new report has found.
A similar number of respondents said they have to travel long distances to meet their family’s need.
The Let Me Play study by PlayBoard NI and Mae Murray Foundation aims to inform policy makers about the experience of families regarding outdoor experiences within fixed parks.
Among issues highlighted were concerns around the infrastructure surrounding play parks such as appropriately placed drop-kerbs, the lack of facilities including disability friendly toilets and insufficient or inappropriate parking provision.
The report suggests "improvements have not been sufficient to provide high quality participative play opportunities for all" with equipment and activities needed for different ages and abilities. It also states "whilst progress has been made, innovation in design to offer participants choice to actively engage in a range of rich and challenging play experiences is required".
Alan Herron from PlayBoard said the report "highlights that despite the creation of new fixed play spaces, families who have a child with a physical, learning, sensory, medical, undiagnosed or complex need continue to be excluded from play parks in Northern Ireland".
"Play park provision must evolve for people of all abilities to enjoy their right to play," he said.
Alix Crawford from Mae Murray Foundation added: "It is shocking that families today are still facing the exclusion my own family faced some 20 years ago and we simply must address these man-made barriers."
