Every child deserves the right to play
A number of local play areas have been upgraded with the aim of increasing the amount of facilities, play equipment and access routes that can be used by children with disabilities.
Huge progress has been made in recent years and this work is still ongoing, with more and more inclusive play equipment and infrastructure being installed each year.
Through this recent work, the majority of the council's play areas throughout West Lothian now include equipment which is inclusive.
"We've been working closely with suppliers, contractors and the community to improve inclusive play value in appropriate locations. This includes educating ourselves about the conditions children face, how we can design with them and their parents and carers in mind and researching how the issue has been approached across the world. We hope to maintain varied and exciting play opportunities for all children across West Lothian." said the council's Open Space Officer, Wiktoria Cook.
Recently, the council has invested in projects to increase inclusive play in West Lothian's Open Spaces. This includes the following projects:
- Eliburn Park, Livingston
- Watson Park, Armadale
- Polkemmet Country Park, Whitburn
Through this recent work, the majority of the council's play areas throughout West Lothian now include equipment which is inclusive. The following play areas include fully wheelchair accessible equipment:
- Eastfield Park Play Area, Fauldhouse
- West Burngrange Play Area, West Calder
- Redhouse Place Green, Blackburn
- Eliburn Play Area, Livingston
- Mosswood Community Centre, Livingston
- Redmill Play Area, East Whitburn
- Watson Park in Armadale
- Polkemmet Country Park
Tom Conn, Executive councillor for the Environment and Sustainability said: "I'm very proud of the work and commitment that has been focused on improving West Lothian's parks - making them more inclusive for all children.
"Despite the significant financial challenges that we face and the hard decisions that we've been forced to make, the council has still been able to invest and improve local facilities for local people in West Lothian, and there are not many projects that demonstrate this better."
Caption:
Councillor Conn joined Wiktoria at Watson Park in Armadale recently where the Armadale Community Learning and Development Youth Services Group were helping to put the finishing touches on the new sensory path, which they helped design.
