KILDARE: Playground surfaces are accessible to all says KCC
Existing playground surfaces cannot be changed to improve accessibility for wheelchair users.
Cllr Angela Feeney asked that the use of bark chip surfaces in playgrounds, both planned and existing, be reexamined.
Kildare County Council currently use loose fill surfaces (sand and bark) under particular pieces of equipment where there may be a potential fall greater than 2m or where there is a risk of abrasion to users.
A KCC meeting was told these surfaces are considered safer than the rubber bound surfaces under these particular pieces of equipment.
Additionally, the use of loose fill is more sustainable than the rubber surfaces due to the fact the materials are natural and recyclable. The loose fill surfaces also provide sensory play.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) which assesses and advises on safety and accessibility in playgrounds, consider the use of bark chip as accessible.
According to KCC official Marion Higgins accessibility is an important consideration in all our playgrounds and the council is open to suggestions to improving this.
“Any suggestions on how we can improve the accessibility of playgrounds with loose fill surfaces while also retaining the safety, sustainability and play benefits they provide would be welcomed.”