Families across East Cambridgeshire are set to benefit from more inclusive playgrounds after the district council approved a new strategy designed to ensure children of all abilities can play, explore and socialise together. 

The new Inclusive Playground Strategy and accompanying toolkit were approved by East Cambridgeshire District Council's Finance and Assets Committee on Thursday (September 24) following independent audits of playgrounds across the district. The work aims to make outdoor play more accessible and enjoyable for all children, including those with disabilities, wheelchair users and children with special educational needs. 

The council commissioned specialist organisation PiPA Play (Plan Inclusive Play Areas) to assess 23 council-managed playgrounds and 15 parish council playgrounds. 

The audits found that many playgrounds already have good access through pathways, gates and surfacing, but identified opportunities to introduce more inclusive play equipment, sensory features, wheelchair-accessible activities and better places for children and families to spend time together. 

Their findings have helped shape a district-wide action plan focused on making future improvements where they will have the greatest impact for children and families. 

As part of the strategy, the council will prioritise improvements including wheelchair-accessible roundabouts, sensory play features, inclusive access to play equipment, improved pathways and additional seating areas. 

The top 5 district-wide priorities are:

• Wheelchair-accessible roundabouts (Littleport, Soham and Fordham) 
• Sensory play areas and gardens (Beresford Road and Cherry Drive in Ely, and Fordham) 
• Ramped play units providing inclusive access to play at height (Collier Close and Darwin Close, Ely and Soham) 
• Accessible pathway improvements (Brook Grove, Ely; Goldsmiths Court, Ely; and all sites in Littleport) 
• Additional accessible seating and rest areas (Brook Grove and Kingsley Walk in Ely, and in Fordham)

Alongside improving its own playgrounds, the council will also work with developers, housing associations and parish councils to encourage inclusive design from the earliest stages of new playground projects.

To support local councils and open space providers when planning their play areas, the council has created an Inclusive Playground toolkit with practical help and advice, including a step-by-step guide to assist them in reviewing, developing and enhancing accessible play spaces.

To help deliver those improvements, East Cambridgeshire District Council has already established an Inclusive Play and Open Spaces Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Fund, which local councils and community organisations can apply to for support with accessibility improvements and new inclusive play projects. 

Councillor Alan Sharp, Chair of the Finance and Assets Committee, said:

"Every child should feel welcome and included in our playgrounds, with the same opportunities to play, learn and make friends.

"This strategy will create spaces where children of all abilities can play side by side, families can spend time together and communities can connect.

"By making play more inclusive, we can help more children build confidence, friendships and lasting memories."

The strategy will guide improvements to council-managed playgrounds between 2026 and 2028 while supporting a longer-term ambition to make East Cambridgeshire a place where every child can play and belong. 

It also includes plans to update information on the council's website so parents and carers can more easily find playgrounds with accessible features and facilities.