A newly opened playground in Wigston is being hailed as a model for inclusive design, after children of all abilities were given equal access to play for the first time.
The upgraded site at Willow Park was officially opened this week by Deputy Mayor of Oadby & Wigston, Cllr Carl Walter, who cut the ribbon in front of families and local residents.
Picture credit: Oadby & Wigston Borough Council
But beyond the ceremony, the project marks a shift in how play spaces are being designed – placing accessibility and inclusion at the heart of community planning.
Led by Oadby & Wigston Borough Council (OWBC), the playground was created in consultation with parents of children with additional needs, ensuring that the equipment reflects real-life experiences rather than assumptions.
The result is a space where children can play side by side, regardless of physical ability. New features include a ground-level roundabout, a wheelchair-transfer seesaw, a ramp-access multi-play unit, accessible swings and a wheelchair-friendly trampoline. Existing equipment has also been refurbished.
For families like that of Wigston parent Louisa Stanley, the changes have been transformative.
“We were not just stood watching the other children play,” she said. “My daughter could access the play area like everyone else – it’s made a huge difference.”
Council leaders say the project reflects a broader ambition to create environments where inclusion is the norm rather than an afterthought.
Cllr Walter said: “Every child deserves the chance to play in a space where they feel confident and included. These environments don’t just support children with additional needs – they enrich the experience for everyone.”
The Willow Park redevelopment follows a similar accessibility upgrade at Brocks Hill Country Park, signalling a continued push to improve inclusive facilities across the borough.
Funded by the UK Government, the project is also intended to send a wider message – that shared public spaces should reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
As more families visit the new playground, it is already being seen not just as a place to play, but as a step toward greater understanding and inclusion among the next generation.
