We plan to install Lambeth’s first fully inclusive playground on Windmill Drive, Clapham Common, to provide facilities that are attractive, inclusive and safe for parents and children to be able to enjoy quality leisure time. Following a consultation with the community in September and October 2019, play equipment has been agreed and work on-site will start on 19 October 2020. Weather, permitting we hope to finish the work just before Christmas 2020 and open the park to the public in early 2021.
Installing a fully inclusive playground following guidance from the Planned Inclusive Play Area (PiPA) will provide facilities that encourage imaginative play as well as challenges for children to pre-teens and those with disabilities.
‘all aboard the Clapham Express’ play train for inclusive Playpark
In the UK currently, 1 in 20 children under the age of 16 live with a disability and parents must consider many things before planning a trip to a play area. It’s clear there is a need to create play areas that are inclusive for all and the playground on Windmill Drive will make a much-needed contribution to the provision of inclusive play in the borough. It will be the first Lambeth play area totally designed around inclusivity.
Word from the Cabinet
- Cllr Sonia Winifred, Lambeth Council Cabinet Member for Equalities and Culture said: “I’m excited about the proposals to install a new and truly inclusive playground on Clapham Common which, if adopted, will hopefully become the first PiPA Gold Accredited playground in Lambeth. It’s really important that play areas in our borough are inclusive to all and offer a range of different facilities to stimulate play.”
- Cllr Jennifer Brathwaite, Lambeth’s Deputy Leader, formerly Cabinet Member for Children and Young People (now Cabinet Member for Housing & Homelessness), said:”Parents with disabled children face many hurdles when planning a trip to a play area so the council wants to hear from residents about how we can make it as easy, relaxed and fun as possible.”
