Haydon Wick Parish Council is inviting residents, families, carers, teenagers and adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), local organisations and the wider community to share their views on the possible development of an accessible outdoor play and activity space.
The Parish Council is exploring whether there is a local need for a dedicated outdoor space designed primarily for teenagers and adults with SEND, providing opportunities for physical activity, sensory play, relaxation, socialising and spending time outdoors with family, friends, carers and support workers.
At this very early stage, no decision has been made to develop or fund a facility. There is currently no agreed site, design or funding commitment. The purpose of the consultation is to understand whether there is a genuine local need and what the community would want such a space to provide.
We want to hear from you
The Parish Council is particularly keen to hear directly from teenagers and adults with SEND, as well as parents, families, carers and support workers.
Views are also welcomed from local residents, SEND organisations, schools, care providers and anyone who regularly uses or supports someone to use outdoor spaces.
The consultation asks about experiences of existing parks and play areas, including what can make them difficult to use. It also seeks views on the types of equipment, activities and facilities that could make an outdoor space genuinely accessible, comfortable and enjoyable.
This could include accessible paths and surfaces, wheelchair-friendly equipment, supportive swings, sensory activities, exercise equipment, quiet areas, suitable seating, shelter and space for families and carers.
Importantly, the Parish Council wants to understand that accessibility is about much more than simply being able to enter or move around a space. The consultation therefore asks what would enable people with different needs and abilities to participate meaningfully and enjoy the facility.
Have your say
Residents and other interested members of the community are encouraged to take a few minutes to complete the online survey.
Complete the survey: Click Here
The survey also asks for views on whether the facility should, where practical and appropriate, be inclusive of the wider community while ensuring that the needs of people with SEND remain the priority.
Any project would be subject to securing external grant funding and/or any necessary budgetary commitment from the Parish Council. There is no commitment at this stage to proceed with the project or to spend this amount.
The consultation therefore also gives residents an opportunity to consider the potential benefits to the community alongside the possible financial implications.
What happens next?
The current survey is an initial consultation designed to establish local views and demand.
If there is sufficient interest and evidence of local need, the Parish Council would look at taking the idea to the next stage. This could include a dedicated consultation and discussion morning bringing together local caregivers, SEND schools, play area and equipment companies, inclusivity and accessibility charities, support organisations and other relevant stakeholders.
This would provide an opportunity to explore ideas in greater detail and consider what might be possible locally.
Any future proposal would need to consider funding, budget, suitable locations, planning requirements, accessibility, feasibility, ongoing maintenance and further community consultation before any decision could be made.
Councillor statement
Councillor Vinay Manro, Chairman of Haydon Wick Parish Council, said:
“We want to start by listening. At this stage, we are not presenting a finished proposal or asking residents to support a particular site or design. We are simply asking whether there is a genuine local need for better accessible outdoor opportunities for teenagers and adults with SEND, and what those opportunities should look like.
We know that accessibility can mean very different things to different people. For some, it may be wheelchair access or supportive equipment; for others, it may be sensory considerations, quiet spaces, suitable seating, safety or simply having somewhere they can spend time outdoors alongside family and friends.
We would particularly encourage people with lived experience of SEND, parents, carers and support organisations to take part. Their experiences and ideas are incredibly important in helping us understand what would make a meaningful difference.
This is an opportunity for the community to help shape the conversation from the very beginning. There is no final decision and no commitment to proceed, but if there is sufficient interest, we would like to explore what might be possible together.”
Everyone is encouraged to take part
Whether you are a teenager or adult with SEND, a parent or family member, a carer, a support worker, a local resident or someone who works with a SEND organisation, your views can help inform the next steps.
Please complete the survey and share it with anyone who may have an interest.
Complete the survey: Click Here
Closing date: 22nd September 2026
Haydon Wick Parish Council would like to thank everyone who takes the time to contribute.
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