The aim is to create an inclusive space where all children, including those with disabilities, can play safely together
A MUM is leading a team of volunteers in asking for your support to raise funds for new accessible play equipment in Heath Park.
The Just Giving campaign was launched by Emma Gammon, 45, a committee member of the Heath Residents Association, who also acts as a parent governor at Birchgrove Primary School and organises monthly play sessions for young children.
“Play areas are a vital part of any childhood, and myself and the other committee members feel strongly that all our children should be able to play together in a safe, accessible and inclusive playground,” Ms Gammon said.
“How can the playground closest to Wales’s largest hospital not offer this? Children who live locally, and those at the hospital are not able to enjoy all of the playground due to illnesses and disabilities. I think we can – and should, do better.
“Imagine if we had an accessible roundabout to play on? Or perhaps a zip line for older children? This would encourage our children to play, be more physically active and help boost their self-esteem.”
The only support available for park improvements is through S106 funding, a financial contribution paid for by developers to reduce the impact of new developments on the local area.
With no development plans in place for the Heath area, Emma’s campaign is necessary to help raise additional funding.
Just a stone’s throw away from the play park is the Celebration of Life Garden – developed in 2022 by the Dreams & Wishes charity, it provides a calm and peaceful space where children undergoing treatment can spend time with their families.
Being within walking distance of the hospital offers them a much-needed retreat from the clinical environment.
“The thought that children visiting the Dreams & Wishes garden can see the play park but can’t play there because it isn’t accessible for them was a real driving force behind the decision to try to fund improvements,” said Ms Gammon.
Paris Collingbourne, a volunteer at the charity, said: “Many of the children who visit our garden are affected by their treatment, which can leave them feeling weak and, at times, unable to walk, run, or play as they used to.
“We welcome the idea of new accessible park equipment and feel a space where every child can enjoy the simple joy of play, regardless of their physical abilities, is a wonderful idea.”
Along with the lack of park equipment, parents have also raised safety concerns.
Emma Jones, 39, who uses the park regularly with her 10-year-old son, said: “Sadly, the old climbing frame was burned down a few years ago, and the one they rebuilt is just too high.
“It looks lovely on the surface, and the council have tried their best, but I’ve heard of a few instances where children have fallen from it and injured themselves. Only now am I happy for my son to go on it independently.
“At the moment there’s nothing for my son and his friends to play together, so I’d like to see maybe a merry-go-round or a seesaw.”
Karys Evans, 31, visited the park with her 18-month-old son Noah for the first time.
“We’ve had a good time, but apart from the swing, there’s nothing for him to use or enjoy. I’m just imagining what it’s going to be like in the summer – when the swings are in use, what else can we play on?” asked Ms Evans.
“I wouldn’t let him use the climbing frame until he’s much older, and even then, I wouldn’t let him leave my sight.”
Ms Gammon and the HRA have worked closely with local councillors, and last year, an accessible swing was installed in the play park.
The design of the swing specifically caters for children with disabilities and focuses on safety, ease of use and comfort.
Councillor Mike Ash-Edwards said: “We welcome local residents’ efforts to highlight and raise funds for more play equipment in one of Cardiff’s most loved parks. We are pleased to have been able to have an accessible swing fitted in the park’s play area and are working with council officers to develop more natural play opportunities.
“We will continue to work with local community groups to identify and secure improvements to facilities in the park for the many different activities which it is home to.”
Image: The accessible swing was installed by the council last year. Credit: Joe Hearn
The new swing has proved popular among children visiting the play park and is hoped that it could be just the start of an inclusive space for all to enjoy.
At the time of writing, the campaign has raised £958 towards its target of £2,000.
- If you would like to support Emma’s campaign for more accessible park equipment in Heath Park – you can donate here.
