Play_Park_Strategy_2021-2030

3. Adult supervision Adults and carers accompanying children to play areas require a comfortable area where they can oversee activities. Not only will this allow for safe supervision but the inclusion of such areas in playgrounds may also result in longer periods of use by families or adults and carers with young children. The presence and involvement of adults and carers, of which many will be grandparents and over 65, in play parks is just as important as the implementation of thoughtful and exciting design solutions when it comes to safety in the playground. 4. Creative, sensory and explorative spaces These elements encourage the child to explore, to develop a sense of wonder, to question, to engage in and interact with their natural or built environment. They also allow the child, on repeat visits, to recognise the dynamics and change within that space. The natural environment lends itself particularly well to this latter element of play provision. This is often the most neglected aspect of play provision and it requires sensitivity to develop the possibilities for such an area. It is also the most difficult and challenging area of play provision. For these reasons, this element is the focus of this strategy; the development of spaces that encourage more interactive and explorative play. 5. Inclusivity and Accessibility It is important to understand what accessible and inclusive means in terms of play parks and the implications for the design. Accessible means “able to be reached or entered”, therefore, the Disability Discrimination Act requires that areas are “able to be reached or entered” by persons with disabilities. The issue however may then arise if the elements of a playground are accessible, but unable to be used by someone with a disability. 39