Central Swindon North Parish Council is delighted to announce the official opening of the new, inclusive play area at Pembroke Gardens in Moredon. The facility, designed to allow children of all abilities to enjoy active play together, was officially opened following the completion of the installation on schedule.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the successful culmination of a five-year project championed by local ward councillors, Mums on a Mission, Pipa Play, and the Parish Council, which has invested significantly to enhance play facilities and promote diversity and inclusion within the community.
The new play area features a range of accessible equipment, including a wheelchair-accessible in-ground trampoline and an inclusive roundabout. It also incorporates sensory play panels, a nest swing, and a multi-play unit complete with a sloped walkway and handrails, ensuring it is an outstanding accessible asset for local families.
Councillor Mick Lucas, one of the ward councillors who dedicated significant effort and funding to the project, welcomed the opening:
“It is great to see the play area installed and being used by the children. Work is also progressing converting the old changing rooms into a hub with tea/coffee and toilet facilities. It has been a desire of mine to give the residents a communal play and meeting area they can enjoy since 2017 and with the help of my fellow Councillors it is now happening.”
Councillor Paul Exell reflected on the positive immediate impact of the park:
“Seeing the play area open is wonderful. I visited it the first evening it was open and saw 32 children enjoying themselves! Speaking to parents there, they liked that there was now a play area minutes away, not a 20 minute walk away. It makes all the planning and work over the years so worthwhile to see it being enjoyed.”
The Parish Council worked closely with key community partners, Mums on a Mission and Pipa Play, whose dedication and expertise were instrumental in shaping the play area’s accessible and inclusive design.
Anna Bird from Mums on a Mission expressed the group’s delight at the opening:
“We were absolutely thrilled to attend the official opening of this fantastic accessible play park today! Our children are mainly non-verbal and their faces lit up when we arrived as they recognised the park as a place that they could access the play equipment, and enjoy just like any other child. Some of our children use wheelchairs and they loved the wheelchair accessible roundabout, trampoline and play panels. Our children that can climb a little loved walking up the ramp and coming down the wider slide. And our non-disabled children had plenty to keep them occupied. The equipment that has been chosen for this park also is of an exceptionally high standard. The play panels are varied and exciting, because they make different sounds and are easy to manoeuvre. On the trampoline it is easy to get a good bounce going and the roundabout moves easily – which means our children can spin as fast as they want to! This isn’t always the case when a new play park opens but Pembroke Gardens is spot on. Our huge thanks to Central Swindon North Parish Council for putting accessibility and inclusion at the heart of this project!”
Becky Maddern from Pipa Play highlighted the profound, personal impact of inclusive play opportunities:
“I would like to say a personal thank you to North Swindon Central Parish for putting accessibility and inclusivity at the heart of the design process. It was incredible to see our children playing together and having fun. As a parent carer, this playground holds special significance. I was able to tell my son, Benjamin, that we were going to the park today — something that once felt impossible. We were told Benjamin may never be able to communicate; however, as we left the playground, he said, “Mummy, I loved it — roundabout.” Moments like this remind us that when children are given the opportunity to access society and interact fully, the possibilities are endless. The power of play cannot be underestimated. Playgrounds not only provide a safe and fun environment for all children, but they also create opportunities for learning, growth, and connection that benefit entire communities.”
The Parish Council encourages all local families to visit and enjoy this excellent new facility, which stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive spaces for everyone.
