Parent calls for accessible play parks

Enzo needs physical help to use most playpark equipment

Lisa Drewitt's son Enzo has Spina Bifida

There are not enough accessible equipment in playparks for children with disabilities, a parent has said.

Four-year-old Enzo, has spina bifida. He cannot use his legs and relies on a wheelchair or walking aid to get him around.

His mum, Lisa, from Rugby in Warwickshire, said when they take him to a park he has to be phsyically lifted up and helped onto most equipment. But most parks were not accessible, she said,

Rugby Borough councillor Louise Robinson said work is ongoing to inform parents what facilities were available at parks in the borough on the council's website.

Spina bifida is when a baby's spine and spinal cord does not develop properly.

"Enzo gets really frustrated when he can't access stuff," Lisa said.

"It gets to the point where sometimes if I know a park is going to be busy, we just don't go, because I know that he's not going to be able to have fun and access things."

She said she was concerned there would be fewer options for Enzo as he grows up.

"At the moment there's a lot he can access, because we're able to pick him up.

"He can go on the roundabout in his wheelchair but any other equipment he needs physically picking up to be helped onto it.

"A lot of parks aren't accessible. There's not enough equipment for physically disabled children."

Robinson, portfolio holder for digital investment, has campaigned for more inclusive playgrounds.

"We're doing some work currently to develop our website so we can signpost people more easily to what we have got in the specific park.

"So people can do a bit of research before they get in the car head to the park to know what is there that can meet the needs of there children.

"That is some of the work currently ongoing."