Park in Salisbury made wheelchair-friendly after refurbishment

Pinewood Way play area in Bemerton Heath reopened on 12 January with a wheelchair-accessible roundabout and seesaw after Salisbury City Council worked with the Disability Interest Group of Salisbury (DIGS).

Pinewood Way play area in Bemerton Heath, Salisbury, reopened on 12 January after a programme of refurbishment. The work followed discussions between Salisbury City Council and the Disability Interest Group of Salisbury (DIGS). The new equipment includes a wheelchair-accessible roundabout and a wheelchair-accessible seesaw. The park also gained sensory play panels and a communication board to support children with different needs. What changed: - The play area reopened on 12 January following the refurbishment. - A wheelchair-accessible roundabout and a wheelchair-accessible seesaw were installed. - A 'Make it Rain' sensory board with rainmaker shakers and other sensory panels was added for children with sensory needs. - A communication board with pictures and symbols was fitted to help young people with little or no speech express feelings. - Salisbury City Council carried out the improvements after talks with DIGS; a new tarmac path giving wheelchair access to the green and play area was installed in July 2024. Summary: The refurbishment expands play options intended to be accessible to children with disabilities and to make the park more inclusive for local families. DIGS' chief executive said the site now offers equipment for everyone and expressed hope it will be the first of many such projects in the town. Undetermined at this time.