When Justin Tomlinson MP was the Minister for Disabled People, he secured a change in the guideline and recommended in his Disability Strategy that all new or refurbished play parks should include accessible equipment.
Working with local & national groups including Mums on a Mission, Becky Maddern of Benjamin’s Smile and Scope; they managed to secure this vital change.
Though the work continues, as Justin is keen to make sure that the recommendation becomes mandatory. To achieve this, the Department for Local Government needs to carry out a consultation first to demonstrate support for strengthening the guidelines.
Justin commented, “This is a really important campaign, and we now need your help. For the guidelines to say that all new & refurbishing play parks MUST have a piece of accessible play equipment, rather than should, we need members of the public to take part in the consultation and show their support. I believe passionately that all children, regardless of ability or disability, should be able to play in their local park. This campaign is all about achieving that.”
