A play park for all

Play equipment is vital for children’s social, physical and emotional development. And we know how important the playground in Diss park is in supporting this. Which is why we’re committed to keeping it current, updated, interactive, inclusive and, most importantly, fun!

If you’ve visited Diss park in the last few months, you’ll have noticed several new additions to the play area. Using feedback from a public consultation last summer, we sourced three different designs that were better suited to 4 to 8-year-olds and children with additional needs.

We asked you to choose your favourite. And a design by equipment maker Proludic, which featured a fully wheelchair accessible seesaw, came out on top. The new equipment, acquired using allocated park play equipment funds, has now been installed. And it’s been a big hit with children of all ages and abilities so far.

So, what’s there to explore? What makes it so inclusive? And how can it support your child’s development? Let’s look. TALK TUBES These promote social interaction, imaginative play, speech development and turn-taking (both in speaking and listening). Ages: 2+ Requires: 2 users INCLUSIVE ELEMENTS • Stimulate hearing capacities • Accessible at ground level for wheelchairs • Suitable for children with visual impairments • Children with learning difficulties will encounter appropriate types of stimulation

MUSICAL FLOWER PLAY PANELS These encourage physical and practical play and improve coordination and concentration. Ages: 1+ Requires: 3 users INCLUSIVE ELEMENTS • Encourages communication for children with autism • The flowers provide visual stimulation through movement, bright colours and contrast • The curved shape of each stem means optimal user-friendliness for children in wheelchairs

GIANT FOUR IN A ROW Encourages role play and social play. Has 48 movable red and yellow sliding discs that easily glide around the panel. Ages: 2+ Requires: 2 users INCLUSIVE ELEMENTS • Sensory, tactile

TIC TAC TOE Develops logical understanding and improves coordination. The colours are high contrasting and the Os and Xs are all laser cut, so the game can be played through sight or touch. Ages: 3+ Requires: 2 users INCLUSIVE ELEMENTS • Installed at wheelchair transfer height • The Os and Xs are laser cut making this item suitable for children with visual impairments • Children with learning difficulties encounter appropriate types of stimulation • Predominantly a 2-player game, a child can build stronger connections with their peers and communicate through playing.

KINETIC SHIP WHEEL Powered purely by kinetic energy, this fun wheel comes with a USB stick so it can generate its own sound. Great for roleplaying, kids can be a pilot, pirate or experience the feeling of a driver in the cockpit. Turn the wheel and create your own electricity. Ages: 3+ Required: 2 users INCLUSIVE ELEMENTS • Encourages communication for children with autism • The wheel provides visual stimulation through movement and sound • The low-level height is suitable for children in wheelchairs

DIABOLO MULTIPLAY UNIT Encourages role play, climbing, sliding, meeting, resting, handling, hiding and thinking. Ages: 2+ Accommodates up to 25 users INCLUSIVE ELEMENTS • Motor, sensory and mental inclusion • Tactile Stimulation

WHEELCHAIR SPRINGER SEESAW Encourages balancing, role play, swinging, resting and social skills. Ages: 3 + Accommodates up to 6 users INCLUSIVE ELEMENTS • Motor, sensory and mental inclusion • Suitable for wheelchair users