City: Dunstable
Country: United Kingdom
Project Story: Dunstable Town Council, recognising the need for inclusivity in recreational spaces, sought to revamp Grove Gardens, an existing play area in the heart of Dunstable. The council identified a crucial gap: the current equipment failed to cater to children with disabilities, depriving them of the joy and engagement that other children experienced.
Grove Gardens, although a beloved community space, lacked inclusive play equipment. The council aimed to rectify this by partnering with a manufacturer capable of providing innovative, inclusive solutions to meet the diverse needs of all children. Proludic, renowned for its unique range of inclusive play equipment, emerged as the preferred provider for Dunstable Town Council. Proludic’s commitment to inclusivity and their pioneering designs made them the ideal partner for this project.
Proludic collaborated closely with Dunstable Town Council to understand the specific needs of the community and tailor the solution accordingly. The following key installations were made:
Mirage Swing: Designed with security features to accommodate children with postural difficulties, the Mirage Swing ensures that all children can enjoy the thrill of swinging in a safe and supportive environment.
Me to You Swing: This innovative swing allows parents to swing alongside their children, fostering not only inclusivity but also meaningful bonding experiences between parents and children of all abilities.
Wheelchair Accessible Roundabout and Seesaw: By incorporating wheelchair-accessible elements such as a roundabout and seesaw, Proludic ensured that children with mobility challenges could actively participate in playground activities, promoting a sense of belonging and engagement.
Sensory and Tactile Area: Proludic went beyond physical accessibility by creating a sensory and tactile area featuring a variety of play panels. These panels include a communication board, a braille panel, and a sign language panel, catering to children with sensory impairments and promoting learning and interaction for all.
The transformation of Grove Gardens into an inclusive play space has had a profound impact on the community. Children of all abilities now have the opportunity to play, learn, and grow together in a welcoming and supportive environment. Parents also benefit from the inclusive design, as they can actively participate in play activities with their children, strengthening family bonds. Through its partnership with Proludic, Dunstable Town Council has successfully addressed the challenge of incorporating inclusivity in this recreational space. The project at Grove Gardens serves as a model for creating inclusive play areas that prioritise the needs of all children, regardless of ability. Proludic’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity has not only transformed a physical space but has also enriched the lives of countless children and families that will use this space.
