Stanwick Lakes is proud to share the latest development in our mission to create one of Northamptonshire’s most accessible playgrounds. Just in time for the school holidays, we’ve installed new specialist play equipment, including an accessible roundabout and a swing designed for older children, opening up opportunities for families across the county and beyond.
Our goal is to provide a space where all children can play together, without separation. This first phase of the project has been integrated into the main play area, thanks to the generous support of the Mick George Community Fund, administered by GrantScape, and North Northamptonshire Council’s Membership Empowerment Fund.
Looking ahead, our next objective is to secure funding for the second, larger phase of the project, which will introduce a fully accessible play tower, complete with engaging tactile elements tailored for children with sensory needs. The project’s completion will allow Stanwick Lakes to become a destination of choice for families with additional needs, offering a genuinely inclusive play experience.
The addition of this new equipment has already made a difference to families like Jessica Broadway’s, who joined us at the recent ribbon-cutting event with her daughter, Sophia, who has autism and is non-verbal. Jessica, who lives in Raunds, initially reached out to Stanwick Lakes about accessible equipment just as the project was launching.
Reflecting on the new equipment, she shared, “SEND [special educational needs and disabilities] children are not at the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to developing playgrounds, and it’s something we see time and time again. Having this equipment at Stanwick Lakes means that more children will get to do what neurotypical families get to do – enjoy playgrounds and all that they have to offer.”
Jessica continued, “The new swing means that Sophia will still get that sensory experience even as she gets older.” Her insights emphasise the significance of inclusive play spaces, where families with additional needs can feel equally welcomed and accommodated.
Beyond the play tower, the second phase of the project will include raised sandpits and accessible pathways to improve mobility throughout the sand areas. These additions will allow parents and carers who use wheelchairs to engage fully in the space alongside the children in their care. To bring this vision to life, we aim to raise £53,000, with the recent Family Fun Day contributing over £2,000 towards our goal. Additional fundraising activities are also being planned.
Billie Passchier, Trust Director at Stanwick Lakes, expressed her gratitude for the support and shared her hopes for the future: “We are thrilled to see the first phase completed and look forward to welcoming even more families to experience this new, inclusive equipment. Our aim is for Stanwick Lakes to become a leading destination for families whose children have additional needs, and we are committed to expanding our accessible facilities to make this vision a reality. We are especially grateful to Mick George Limited for their £15,000 contribution through the Mick George Community Fund, which helped us to achieve this milestone.”
The need for inclusive play spaces is clear: a recent report by the disabilities charity Scope found that only 10% of playgrounds nationwide are fully accessible to children with disabilities, while nearly 75% make it challenging for disabled and non-disabled children to play together. Stanwick Lakes is committed to addressing this gap and creating a space where all children can experience friendship, fun, and inclusion.
We warmly invite all who wish to support this inclusive playground project to donate via our accessible play equipment page or to contact us at 01933 625522. With your support, we look forward to making Stanwick Lakes an inclusive playground that all families can enjoy for years to come.
