A report from director of Engineering Services, Darren Sturgiss comes with four recommendations that will promote inclusive play in Bathurst.

In addition to considering inclusive design principles in planning for new community parks and playgrounds, or when upgrading existing playspaces, he recommended that council’s specialist playspace consultant be engaged to review the existing design for stage two of the Adventure Playground.

The design should be modified, if necessary, in order to provide playspace opportunities and equipment which meet best practice principles of inclusivity, regardless of age or ability, a further recommendation stated.

Mr Sturgiss also recommended a Liberty Swing not be installed, but instead replaced with play structures that provide inclusive play for all members of the community.

The recommendations preempt Inclusive Playspace Guidelines, which Mr Sturgiss said are soon to be released by the NSW Government. 

To support the development of the guidelines, the NSW Government established an advisory group comprised of local government representatives, landscape architects and designers, professional bodies, playground manufacturers, academics, industry advocates and community members.

Bathurst council’s manager of Recreation was part of the group.

“Inclusive play spaces offer the opportunity for all children to play alongside one another, utilising and having access to the same equipment,” Mr Sturgiss said in the report. 

“This supports the physical, social and cognitive development of all children, and benefits everyone, regardless of their ability.”

Further to that, he said it should be noted that inclusive play opportunities are not limited the provision of play equipment to cater for people in wheelchairs alone.

“Inclusive play design principles are aimed at meeting needs for all members of the community, regardless of their ability,” he said.

“By applying these principles, playgrounds and parks can accommodate a multitude of users, including those that may have disabilities such as autism, mental and social development issues, amputees, paraplegia, depression or anxiety, just to name some examples.”

Councillors will vote on whether or not to adopt the recommendations in the report on Wednesday night.