Work has started on a brand new £500,000 first-of-its-kind playground in Barnet for children and adults with disabilities.
The design incorporates a variety of features, such as rocking equipment, swings, spinning elements, sound-based activities, climbing structures, slides, touch-sensitive components, and seating areas.
This innovative play area, called Fair Play Barnet, will be constructed in Victoria Recreation Ground, New Barnet, adjacent to the current playground.
The project will receive £100,000 in funding from Barnet Council, and an additional £400,000 will be contributed by a coalition of independent funders led by The Seneca Trust.
This charitable organisation specialises in championing impactful projects that often go unnoticed, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for communities.
Cllr Philip Cohen, who secured the £100,000, said: “Fair Play Barnet is for children and adults, and we’re very proud to be making milestones with our work in this area. We have considered all aspects of this playground to make it accessible and inclusive for everyone.
“This covers everything from the surfacing, accessible equipment, communications boards for non-verbal users, to picnic benches with designated wheelchairs spaces, so everybody is included.”
Cllr Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “We want everybody to feel welcome in Barnet, whoever they are. Our innovative work with our partners on the ‘Fair Play Barnet’ project is a key part of this.
“We hope that many people can enjoy the brilliant new playground in Victoria Recreation Ground for many years to come.”
Commenting on the project, Seneca Programmes Manager Deborah Gundle said: “We celebrate Barnet Council’s vision for wanting to make it possible for people of all cognitive and physical abilities to be able to use their public playgrounds.
“Fair Play will be a shining example in terms of design and purpose of how a public playground can be inclusive and accessible to all.”
