Campaign to make Norfolk's parks more inclusive launches

Everyone Has The Right To Play is a new campaign launched by MAP, a Norfolk youth charity, calling for improvements to designs of children's play parks to make them more inclusive, regardless of ability or disability.

It follows months of research that found these spaces need redesigning to ensure every child and parent can enjoy playing together.

They are now calling for businesses, organisations and institutions to pledge to make all play areas accessible and safe environments that stimulate and challenge young people of all abilities.

The bid has got off to a positive start after a launch event at Barnham Broom Hotel and Golf Club earlier this month, with a number of dignitaries and council leaders already calling for changes after hearing the experience of parents and children using play areas in the county.

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Dignitaries and children at the launch event at Barnham Broom Hotel and Golf Club (Image: MAP)

A video has been produced to accompany the launch of the campaign which shares the experience of youngsters who have encountered challenges when accessing play parks.

Nik Chapman, one of the campaign organisers, said: "This is all about changing attitudes and approaches to designing play parks and we hope that if a new one is being built or an old one is being refurbished, then the designs will seek to be more inclusive for everyone.

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Children address the audience at the launch event (Image: MAP)

"It had a huge impact and at the end several mayors were immediately raising the issue and committing to explore how they could improve play park facilities."

Attendees at last week's event included Broadland and Breckland councillors, the mayor of Thetford town council and South West Norfolk MP candidate James Bagge.

More information about the campaign can be found at map.uk.net.