Parks set for inclusive-play upgrades
LDRSParks in a Surrey borough will have upgrades to their facilities to better serve children, including those who are neurodivergent.
Runnymede Borough Council says there will be about 35 sensory boards and neurodivergent-friendly panels in parks across the borough.
Surrey County Council says data shows there is a growing need to ensure play areas are inclusive for children with additional needs or who are neurodivergent.
About 1,050 school-age children in Runnymede have education, health and care plans (EHCPs), with demand expected to increase, the Local Democracy Reporting Service says.
At a meeting in July, the council agreed to add £35,000 to the £100,000 it received from NHS and youth development funding for open spaces.
"The committee welcomed plans to improve the council's parks, particularly for children with education, health and care plans, most of whom have autism," papers read.
Officers said the council planned to install a new play facility at Victory Park, in Addlestone, as part of its playground replacement programme funded by the NHS.
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