Equipment for disabled children to be added to Melton play park scheme
New equipment for children with disabilities and mobility issues will now be included in the major revamp of the play area in Melton’s main town centre park.
Melton Mowbray Town Estate revealed plans last month for their £100,000 ‘destination play park’ in The Queen Elizabeth II Field Play Close.
And the charity will now include two Mirage Swings and an AbilitySwing, which enables a wheelchair to be secured safely, in the project, as well as refurbishing the existing AbilityWhirl equipment.
The additions are being funded from a grant from The Romaney Fugill Memorial Fund, a not-for-profit charity fund set up in memory of a local little girl who died 15 years ago.
John Southerington, chairman of feoffees of the town estate, thanked the trustees of the fund for their financial support.
He said: “This phase specifically introduces and refurbishes three pieces of equipment that will allow more children to play together and to benefit from the play provision in the town centre parks.
“The play equipment being introduced is two Mirage Swings and an AbilitySwing, while the AbilityWhirl will be refurbished.
“We’re really looking forward to our play provision improvements taking shape over the next six months.”
Mr Southerington hopes the improved play provision in Play Close will be ready to use by the start of July but due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions it is unclear when works will be able to begin.
The money for the destination play park, which is hoped will attract families from further afield to the town, has been promised by FCC Communities Foundation, a non-profit-making business which awards money for community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund.
The project follows a campaign by parents in the town calling for better play equipment to be provided for youngsters with many saying they go elsewhere - as far afield as Kettering - because the existing facilities are outdated, ageing and not attractive for children to use.
Some of the existing play equipment in the park dates back to the early 19th century.
Among the features in the new play park will be a multiplay unit which can be used by up to 42 children at once, including those with disabilities, and will involve features such as a speed slide, spinning gyro and turbo slide.
The town estate is collaborating with Melton BID and Melton Borough Council to improve play area provision for town youngsters.