Home / Lifestyle / Accessible Playgrounds: Mom's Petition Sparks National Change
Accessible Playgrounds: Mom's Petition Sparks National Change
28 Feb
Summary
- Mum campaigns for mandatory accessible playgrounds in all UK parks.
- Son with disability previously excluded from local play area.
- Government consulting on national planning policies for inclusive playgrounds.
Mollie, a mother of three from Nottinghamshire, is advocating for all new and upgraded playgrounds in the UK to be fully accessible. She initiated a campaign after her son Rupert, who has a severe mental disability and uses a wheelchair, could not participate in activities at their local park. This lack of inclusive equipment meant the family often had to travel significant distances for Rupert to enjoy play facilities.
Her efforts led to the installation of accessible equipment at a Rainworth park, funded through crowdfunding and a county council grant. Mollie has now launched a national petition, emphasizing that accessibility in public spaces should be standard, not an afterthought. She believes current regulations under the Equality Act 2010 are not always adequately enforced by local authorities.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated that parks are crucial for child development and that councils are responsible for ensuring local accessibility. The government is investing £18 million to improve 200 playgrounds across England and is reviewing national planning policies to promote inclusivity in all new and improved play areas.
