Summer break. Before it begins the mere thought of it fills me with dread. How on earth am I to fill six whole weeks, oh, no hang on, six weeks and two days with fun, laughter and memories. Aaaaaah, yes the cherished memories. We really do make this hard on ourselves, to be honest youngest one would be happy to eat blue slush all day and watch Horrible Histories back to back (at least its educational although dodgy on the nutrition side).
Yes, I do fear the summer holidays, but after the first week is out of the way I quite enjoy the endless days of pleasing ourselves, meeting with friends, going on adventures and even just hanging out at home.
We went off for a visit to Haigh Woodland Park the other day. It's rather pleasant, lovely courtyard with a nice cafe, shops and a bakery that makes the most fantastic fresh sandwiches. A joy to eat outdoors whilst fighting off the wasps.
 |
| Just doing the tree climb thang |
It has a great play area. It's huge with lots for kids to play on, clean, tidy and safe. Scarlett was off enjoying all the equipment whilst Zack and I sat and watched.
And here is my issue with Haigh Woodland Park. All this money spent on fantastic equipment and nothing, not one piece of equipment that my son can use.
Sorry, wait I must apologise there is one iddy biddy token of a net swing. You know the round tyre shaped swing that has a large net upon which kids can lie across. But seriously, that isn't enough. It's not inclusive, it's exclusive to those kids that are able bodied.
Victoria Park in Widnes on the other hand has tried to be inclusive and whilst we are still a long way from it being perfect they've made more of an effort. A roundabout for wheelchair users and bucket seat swings offering a little more support (still not suitable for Zack).
 |
| Inclusive roundabout |
Friends on their travels have told me that Sefton Park has a wheelchair swing. Yes a swing upon which you can plonk a wheelchair. Who'd have thought of that.
Surely we can create a play area that is truly inclusive without the obligatory token gesture. I hope that one day this will happen. It would be wonderful to take my son out with his sister so that they can both play together, rather than one play and one sit and watch.
We still had a nice day and Scarlett ended up with a blue slush........she'll look like Violet Beauregarde by the end of the holidays.
No comments:
Post a Comment