The playground in the new town park in Castlebar will come up for debate at next months meeting of Castlebar Town Council, with councillor Harry Barrett alleging that the playground was not up to standard in providing facilities for wheelchair users. Cllr Barrett said this week that he would be putting forward a motion to the meeting to see the level of wheelchair accessible facilities improved, even though some of his council colleagues and the council management believe the playground conforms to the needs of all users.
Cllr Barrett said: “Even if the council are satisfied with the playground, the public is not, and should have been consulted. Now the council are aware of what is wanted it is easy to rectify the problem with a few additions.”
He went on to say: “The items are not specifically for the disabled, they are for children of all abilities, and as far as I am concerned, the playground in the new town park is a poor experience for the wheelchair users. I want to change this."
Barrett wants to see the inclusion of a wide embankment slide, an all ability trampoline, an all ability roundabout with a speed restrictor, two full support swing seats, one boat swing seat, and other wheelchair accessible seating.
