Inclusive play space opens in Russell Park

31 Aug 2022
Mayor Dave Hodgson

Last year, Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum (BBPCF) were awarded £100,000 from Bedford Borough Council through the Mayor's Youth Empowerment Fund to help build an inclusive and fully accessible outdoor area of play within the existing Russell Park play area.

The new play space has now been completed with inclusive equipment that can be accessed by all users including those who have special educational needs or disabilities and their families. This allows entire families to enjoy Russell Park play area together. The play area includes a wheelchair accessible roundabout, see-saw and trampoline.

The improvements to Russell Park play area provide additional opportunities for physical activity, socialising with friends and meeting other children and young people, including those with special educational needs or disabilities and their family members.

Kerri Rennie, Chair of Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum said "BBPCF are delighted to have been able to co-produce this inclusive park with the Local Authority. We feel it will make a huge difference to families of disabled children in Bedford Borough who now have an area they can visit for the whole family. This goes to show that the collective voice of our membership can make a real difference to our SEND Community."

Dave Hodgson, Elected Mayor of Bedford Borough, said: "Prior to this funding being awarded, we worked with the Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum and the Bedford Local Offer to identify how we could help to provide a high-quality, inclusive park provision for children and young people with disabilities. It's really important to us that there are inclusive spaces for all children, young people and their families to enjoy and socialise in. It has been great to co-produce something that delivers just that and we're grateful for the expertise BBPCF have brought to the project."

Mayor Dave will be joining BBPCF for the official opening of the park on Friday 2nd September at 2pm. Families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities are invited along to join BBPCF from 11.30am -1.30pm.

You are welcome to bring your own picnic. BBPCF have contacted local independent businesses and a refreshment voucher for parent carers and children will also be available. They look forward to seeing you there.

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