New wheelchair swing installed a Marbury Park

Cheshire West and Chester Council has now installed a new wheelchair swing at Marbury Country Park.

It was tested out by Annabelle with her mother Mandy last week, who were thrilled with the new piece of equipment.

The Council is committed to promoting inclusive play, it has attended Parent Carer Forums and continues to listen and work with local residents, and parents.

The Council also approached PiPA PLAY (Plan Inclusive Play Areas) the social enterprise company created to ensure play areas are inclusive. PiPA PLAY worked with the Council to review a selection of key Council-managed play areas.

The review looked at how best to improve inclusive play, together with assessing the suitability of the play areas for wheelchair swings.

A key recommendation from PiPA was that the play area at Marbury Park should be considered for a wheelchair swing.

Marbury was considered the most appropriate location for the wheelchair swing due to its recently installed all-inclusive children's play area, adjacent Changing Places facility and extensive parking.

The Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Adam Langan, said:

“This is marvellous news for Marbury Park. I’m sure the new swing is already a much-loved piece of equipment for many young wheelchair users.

“A wheelchair swing has many benefits. It gives young wheelchair users an understanding of our world and our space from a different perspective, making them more aware of their surroundings, increases blood flow to the brain creating a better environment for focus and attention, and the endorphins triggered can really boost their mood.

“Of course, it also provides the perfect opportunity for parents and carers to spend quality time with their child.  Please remember to have a radar key with you for opening the gate to access the swing.” 

Mandy added:

"Huge thanks to all concerned who listened to our plea for a wheelchair swing. To be able to give our children who miss out on so much, the chance to experience a swing just like the other children, is something that is deeply moving.

“The fact that the installation is next to the main playground also gives our children and yes, parents and carers, the feeling of inclusion in the simple joys of play is an added bonus.  This is the best gift ever as they at last are able to experience the excitement of going to the park and actually joining in instead of just being onlookers.”

The full £25,000 cost of the equipment will be funded by local company INEOS Inovyn through their Landfill Community Fund.

A radar key is needed to open the gate to access the swing.  

Pictured – Annabelle, with her mother Mandy, enjoying the new wheelchair swing at Marbury Park.