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UK's First Inclusive Playground for Disabled Kids Opens
7 Nov
Summary
- A new inclusive play centre named Gympanzees is set to open near Bristol.
- The centre aims to provide physical and mental health benefits for disabled children.
- It will feature 10 spaces, including sensory rooms and an accessible outdoor park.
After more than ten years of dedication, Stephanie Wheen's vision for the UK's first inclusive play and leisure centre, Gympanzees, is set to become a reality with its opening near Bristol.
The centre was inspired by Wheen's experiences as a children's physiotherapist, recognizing the significant unmet needs for physical activity among disabled children due to poor access and unsuitable facilities.
Gympanzees aims to address this gap by offering a purpose-built environment. The 4,000 square metre facility, located in a former service station by the Severn Bridge, has been meticulously designed over three years. It will feature 10 specialized spaces, including sensory rooms, a music room, a gym, a trampoline area, and a climbing zone.
An integral part of the centre is its fully accessible outdoor play park, designed with the motto "What can I go on first?" to ensure inclusivity for all. A unique two-storey soft play area includes hoist systems for wheelchair accessibility, and a party room can be controlled via eye-gaze technology.
The centre will also offer a cafe, a shop with essential supplies, and a lending library for equipment. Families can book sessions tailored to specific needs, such as complex medical, sensory, or socialisation challenges.
Parents have expressed that Gympanzees will be life-changing, providing a safe and comfortable environment where their children can participate fully in play and activities, free from judgment. The centre anticipates up to 200,000 visitors annually and has aspirations to open 12 more locations nationwide.
