An inclusive play unit that has been specially designed for children who use wheelchairs has been installed in the centre of Royal Victoria Park in Bath.
The unit has two generous ramps which enable children to access an exciting off-ground play platform, without having to negotiate stairs or be lifted out of their wheelchairs or buggies.
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s parks play team designed the structure after consulting with families who use the park and with wheelchair users.
It replaces a play unit which was not fully accessible, although popular features from the old unit have been incorporated into the new one, including the slide and steering consoles.
A few years ago the BBC reported this description of the park and its past:
The park, close to the Royal Crescent and arranged over 57 acres, was created in the early 1800s to enhance the attractions of Bath as a tourist resort and was a nationally renowned arboretum. In 1887 the Botanical Gardens were added when a large collection of rare plants was bequeathed and the gardens now boast one of the finest collections of flowers, trees and shrubs in the West Country. The replica of a Roman Temple was exhibited at the British Empire Exhibition which was held at Wembley in London in 1924. There are seven entrances into the park including Lower Weston and Upper Bristol Road and there is limited time parking available throughout the area.