Shire of Dardanup engineers are reviewing the concept design of the new Glen Huon playground, following feedback from residents that the park was not accessible for children with disabilities.
The review is being undertaken after community members posted on social media that the original design was not disability-friendly.
Shire of Dardanup director of engineering and development services Luke Botica said the aim of the project had been to provide the community with a new playground equal to the standard of the existing one, including considerable work to provide a modern facility that was inclusive and accessible.
“But that doesn’t mean that more can’t be done and now the community has brought the issue of accessibility to our attention, we are happy to review our work and see if some improvements in the area of accessibility can be achieved,” Luke said.
There are a number of accessible features already built into the existing playground design including:
- All abilities seat in the swing set
- Accessible musical pipes
- Accessible talk tubes
- All abilities free standing swing
- Accessible ramp, platform and activity board in the main equipment set
- Softfall rubber surface
- Accessible pathways to adjacent facilities
- Two wheelchair accessible barbeques
- Two wheelchair accessible drink fountains
- Four wheelchair accessible picnic tables
- Two large picnic shelters, accessible from all sides
The Shire of Dardanup has also called on the head of an accessibility and inclusion project in Bunbury, Adam Johnson, for his input.
The Shire of Dardanup are asking local residents who wish to provide input into a revised design and suggest potential improvements to accessibility of the new playground to come forward.
Those interested can contact Shire of Dardanup assets manager Mick Saunders on 9724 0000 or by emailing mick.saunders@dardanup.wa.gov.au.