Ardee Playground at Fair Green Set for Exciting Refurbishment
Residents of Ardee are in for a treat as the popular Ardee Playground at Fair Green is set to undergo significant refurbishment works aimed at enhancing the play experience for children of all abilities. The playground will be closed from 9th September to 20th November 2024 to facilitate these upgrades, promising a more inclusive and vibrant play area once completed.
The proposed refurbishment will introduce a variety of new features designed to make the playground more accessible and enjoyable for all children, including those with disabilities. The centerpiece of the upgrade is the installation of a wheelchair-accessible, inclusive 8-person group seesaw, which will allow children of varying abilities to play together. This seesaw is just one of several new additions that focus on inclusivity.
Key Features of the Refurbishment:
• Inclusive 8-Person Group Seesaw: A new wheelchair-accessible seesaw designed for group play, accommodating up to eight children at a time.
• Sensory Play Panels: Various sensory play panels will be installed, offering interactive and engaging activities that stimulate different senses, making playtime more enriching for all children, especially those with sensory processing needs.
• In-Ground Trampoline: A wheelchair-accessible in-ground trampoline will be added, allowing children with mobility challenges to enjoy the thrill of bouncing in a safe and inclusive environment.
• Castle Playhouse: The playground will feature a new castle playhouse complete with two bench seats, providing a fun and imaginative space for children to explore and enjoy.
• Robinia Timber Play Equipment: A Robinia timber balance beam and a Burma rope bridge will be installed, offering children new challenges to develop their balance and coordination skills.
• Safety Enhancements: A new safety surface will be installed throughout the playground to ensure that all equipment meets the highest safety standards. Additionally, a new playground gate will be installed, along with an extension of the existing footpath to improve accessibility.
• Repainting and Repairs: The existing playground equipment will be repainted, and any necessary repairs will be made, ensuring that the entire playground is in top condition.
Renderings of the new equipment have been shared with the community, showcasing the exciting transformations that await at Ardee Playground. The refurbishments are part of a broader initiative to make public spaces in Ardee more accessible and enjoyable for all residents, particularly children with disabilities.
The temporary closure of the playground, though inconvenient for some, is a necessary step to ensure that the upgrades are completed safely and efficiently. The Town Council has urged residents to plan accordingly and looks forward to unveiling the newly refurbished playground in late November.
Local families, particularly those with children who have special needs, have welcomed the planned improvements, noting that the inclusive design will allow more children to play together regardless of ability.
The Ardee Playground refurbishment is a testament to the community’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and engaging environment for all its young residents. Once the works are completed, Fair Green will be home to a playground that reflects the town’s dedication to accessibility, safety, and fun for everyone.
Stay tuned for further updates as the refurbishment progresses, and mark your calendars for the grand reopening in November. The wait promises to be well worth it!