New inclusive play equipment unveiled at Welland Park

The improvements form the latest phase of a wider programme to enhance the park and enable children of all ages and abilities to play, explore and learn together. 

Funded through the council's capital programme, the new equipment has been carefully selected to improve accessibility and sensory play provision, helping more children enjoy the park regardless of their abilities or needs. 

The investment reflects the council's focus on improving community facilities across the Harborough district and addressing a long-standing need for more inclusive outdoor play opportunities. 

The new facilities include a wheelchair-accessible all-terrain vehicle, sensory play panels, musical play equipment, a sign language learning panel and a Braille alphabet and number board, helping to create a more welcoming and inclusive play environment for all. 

Cllr David Page, Cabinet Lead for Neighbourhood Services, said: “This is a significant investment in one of our most popular parks and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to enjoy high-quality play facilities. 

“This administration has made improving our parks and open spaces a priority, and these new facilities are helping us meet a long-standing need for more inclusive and accessible play provision across the district. 

“Our commitment does not stop here. We will be investing a further £250,000 in upgrading play areas across the district, with a particular focus on improving facilities for children and adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We want families to know that creating inclusive spaces where everyone can play, socialise and enjoy the outdoors remains a key priority for this administration. 

“The new equipment is already proving popular and is just one part of our wider vision for Welland Park. We want children of all abilities to be able to play, learn and have fun together in a safe and welcoming environment.” 

The latest improvements include: 

• An Inclusive All-Terrain Vehicle, providing wheelchair access and space for up to eight children while encouraging imaginative and storytelling play 
• A Spinning Bowl offering an exciting spinning play experience 
• A Diabolo Playhouse featuring wheelchair-accessible areas, sensory play boards and a multi-user tunnel 
• An Interactive Musical Play Post with a low-level handle designed to be accessible to wheelchair users 
• A Bug Play Panel and Wobbly Mirror to encourage sensory and imaginative play 
• A Sign Language Play Panel to support communication and understanding 
• A Braille Alphabet and Number Panel to provide inclusive educational play opportunities 
• Three Musical Flowers, allowing children to create sounds through movement and interaction. 

Further improvements are also planned as part of the ongoing development of the area, including a children's trail, carved wooden animal sculptures, additional sensory planting, willow arches designed to encourage adventure-style play, accessible picnic tables beneath the park's mature trees and upgraded dual-use litter bins. 

The council continues to invest in parks and open spaces across the district, ensuring residents have access to high-quality facilities that support active lifestyles, wellbeing and stronger communities. The planned £250,000 programme of play area upgrades will build on this work, helping to create more accessible and inclusive opportunities for residents across Harborough district. 

Love Parks Week is from 24 July to 2 August and is a great opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy local parks in your area. 

For more information about play areas visit www.harborough.gov.uk/play-areas