Out and About - At the swings

There is nothing more fun in this hot weather than a visit to some swings according to E (having to push for over an hour I’m not so sure).

Many play parks have a basket swing which they deem as inclusive for all.  E agrees that she enjoys these swings and can share them with some others.  I don’t like them so much.  They feel a bit unsafe, are difficult to lift her in and out of and don’t really give the same experience and benefits of an upright swing.

The alternative that I have seen in a few places in an upright seated swing made by SMP .  This is similar to a special needs swing that you may get for your own garden.  In this type of swing, E can use her standing transfer skills to get in and out, gets a full swinging experience, is able to feel her body in space and has to work on her head and trunk control.

 I’ve spoken to a few park departments who acknowledge that these swings are inclusive for all but there are a number of factors that are stopping their widespread use.  Firstly they are more prone to vandalism as they have a bigger area to damage and also in some cases they cannot share a swing frame with another swing.  They also require a harness for safe use.

 All that said there are a number of them out there.  I’m still waiting to hear back from a number of councils but so far the list is:

• North Queensferry, Fife.  Top play park.  There is no harness available but you can buy your own from SMP

•  Edinburgh.  Magnet Play area at the Meadows.  There are two here but I am not aware of any harness.

• Monifieth, Angus.  Blueseaway Play Area.  There are two harnesses available from the sports centre.

• Forfar, Angus.  Lochside play park.  There is a harness available from the toilets.
• Cumbernauld. Palacerigg Country Park.
• North Berwick.  

I am putting together a more comprehensive list of accessible play park equipment, but in the meantime please add any you know about  either on the blog or the facebook page.