New Equipment for Saumarez Park Children's Playground

A new swing will be installed at the Saumarez Park Children’s Playground on Wednesday 1st July (10:30am) which has been designed for use by children with a wide range of physical abilities.

The Environment Department (Environment Services Unit), which manages the playground, has been working with Wigwam, a local support group for the families and carers of children with special needs. Wigwam members Jenny Hooper and Claire Thomassen approached the Environment Department to request that the equipment in the playground should reflect the needs of children who are less physically able and suggested that the specially designed swing could be the first step.

The Environment Department was keen to help and Wigwam chose a full support swing which can be used by both special needs and able bodied children. The brightly coloured swing gives head and neck support and comes with a bracing harness.

Jenny Hooper, Chairperson of Wigwam, said, "The new swing will let lots of children with special needs enjoy the sensation of motion and excitement that they couldn’t experience on the existing play equipment. It’s very important that children with special needs have the opportunity to play alongside other children and we’re very grateful to our local sponsors, The Penguin Trust, for funding the purchase of the seat."

Deputy Peter Sirett, Minister, Environment Department, said, "The Environment Department were delighted to be able to assist when Wigwam made the approach to us and we hope the new swing will be popular with everyone. In the longer term we’ll be looking at how we can improve the experience for more children by selecting inclusive equipment for the playground which is designed to be accessible yet at the same time provide challenges for children of different abilities." (from gov.gg)

Lets hope the vandals stay away...