Mum calls for mandatory accessible playgrounds in UK

"Taking your kids to the park is part of being a parent," said mum-of-three Mollie.

But for some parents of disabled children, taking their children to a local play area can be impossible without suitable play equipment.

Mollie, from Rainworth in Nottinghamshire, successfully campaigned to have accessible equipment installed in her local park so her disabled son Rupert could play with his brothers.

She has now launched a petition calling on the government to make inclusive and accessible playgrounds mandatory in all new or upgraded parks in the UK.

The Equality Act 2010 requires "reasonable adjustment" to be made so disabled people have equal opportunities, with the public sector equality duty (PSED) requiring public authorities to give "due regard" to how their functions affect people with different protected characteristics.

However, this does not compel councils to make all their playgrounds accessible, which Mollie said means families have to appeal for funding in order to ensure all children are provided for equally.

She said she believed some councils "aren't really taking much notice" of PSED policies when planning new playgrounds.

"A parent shouldn't have to campaign to be able to take their children to a park," the 27-year-old said.

Mollie said she decided to raise her concerns about a lack of inclusive play equipment with local authorities in Nottinghamshire in 2024.

Her seven-year-old son, Rupert, was born with a severe mental disability and uses a wheelchair.

He was previously unable to join his brothers to play at the Hay Fields estate playground in Rainworth.

The family's local playground was just a short walk away from their home but they often had to drive 20 minutes to the nearest playground where Rupert could get involved, or he would have to sit in his wheelchair while his brothers played.

In October, an accessible roundabout and sensory boards were installed at the park, following a crowdfunding campaign and a capital grant from the county council, which helped Rainworth Parish Council pay for new equipment.

She said the changes had been "incredible" and "life changing", and now wants to see other councils take note and help other families like hers. She hopes her petition "starts a conversation".

"It's kind of part of being a parent, taking the kids to the park," she said.

"It's having a play, it's something we can do for free, it's something we can do close to home.

"Accessibility should be the norm, not a second thought. We need change now."

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: "Parks and playgrounds are vital for children's health and development, and councils are responsible for working closely with their communities to ensure they are accessible for all in their area.

"We're supporting this by investing £18m to improve 200 playgrounds across England over two years and consulting on new national planning policies which include making new or improved playgrounds inclusive for all."

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