A HORSHAM playground will soon be more accessible to all children, with new equipment set to be installed.
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Horsham’s May Park will be closed from next month to allow for the installation of all-abilities play equipment.
Horsham Rural City project officer Jess Leslie said the playground was part of a larger May Park redevelopment, which had already included new toilets, barbecue area and restoring the May and Miller wagon.
“The all-abilities playground is the last piece of the puzzle,” she said.
The playground upgrade will include a basket swing, sensory and imagination play panels, talk tubes, musical chimes, a see-saw and a balance beam.
All the park’s existing equipment will remain.
Mrs Leslie said when people thought of play equipment for all-abilities, they often thought needing things for children in wheelchairs.
“But it is much more than that – for example, there might be children who are more hyperactive and need to be able to run around and bang things,” she said.
“So we’ll have paths with rubber tops for children to run along.
“It’s also about creating easier access, not just for wheelchairs, but for parents with prams.”
Mrs Leslie said council ran a number of surveys to guide its decision on the playground.
The new equipment was selected in consultation with the Horsham Special School, Noah’s Ark, Horsham District Kindergarten Association and the Wimmera Disability Access Forum.
“The wheelchair swing that was there has moved to the Horsham Special School, where it will get more use,” she said.
May Park will be closed for about two weeks for the upgrade, however Mrs Leslie said the timeline would ultimately depend on weather.
She said there had been positive feedback about the project.
“People have asked about the existing playground and that is all staying,” she said.
“The wagon has been taken away to be painted and cleaned, but it is coming back.
“We understand people have their favourite items, so everything will remain.”