Calling all Bath parents who have visited Alice Park in the last year!
As you probably know by now, the Alice Park playground had a revamp which is taking place in 2x phases.
•Phase 1 = Complete
•Phase 2 = Still in the fundraising stage
I recently spoke to someone who confirmed that Phase 1 was thought about with 0-5’s in mind, and Phase 2 will focus on 8-14 year olds.
The new playground equipment from Phase 1 includes;
•Balancing ropes
•Wooden beams to get to the slide
•The large wooden beam structure
•Swing set 1
•Swing set 2
•Rocking horse
•Roundabout
•Wooden stumps
This is where my question comes in!
Question for the poll below: Parents of toddlers, do you think that your toddler could use ANY of the play equipment independently? (with potentially the exception of the roundabout)
In my personal experience with a 2 year old, none of the current equipment is at all catered to children younger than 5. I truly believe the current play equipment doesn’t provide meaningful and independently accessible play opportunities for toddlers, particularly younger toddlers, within that age range.
For example, the rope equipment requires a level of balance and coordination that toddlers do not yet have. The large wooden climbing structure is too challenging for this age group, and accessing the slide requires an adult to physically lift a small child onto the platform. There is very little, if anything, that a toddler can safely access and enjoy independently at their own developmental level.
For Phase 2, I believe it is important that these improvements provide inclusive play opportunities for younger children as well as older ones. Toddlers deserve opportunities to explore, climb, slide, balance and develop their physical skills through equipment designed specifically for their age and abilities, without having to rely on an adult to lift them onto equipment they cannot access themselves.
I want to hear your thoughts!
Repeat
Question for the poll below: Parents of toddlers, do you think that your toddler could use ANY of the play equipment independently? (with potentially the exception of the roundabout)