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Colchester City Council launches inclusive open space and playground Focus Group
Colchester City Council is looking to launch a dedicated Focus Group to guide the future of our open spaces, parks and playground refurbishments, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all children and families. This initiative is part of the council's commitment to creating the best open spaces, parks and play areas that cater to the diverse needs of our community.
The first meeting of the Focus Group will be held on Saturday 10 August at 10am at the Castle Park playground. This initial gathering will focus on discussing accessibility requirements for the Castle Park playground as part of the ongoing public consultation exercise. The meeting is expected to last approximately one hour.
The council is seeking representatives from various groups, including those advocating for people with disabilities and those with other specific needs, to join the Focus Group. These representatives will play a crucial role in ensuring that future playgrounds are designed with inclusivity in mind. Annual focus group meetings will be scheduled in June or July, aligned with the play park improvement schedule and budget planning. Members will also receive updates via email regarding any additional open space, park or playground projects identified throughout the year.
Councillor Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods and Leisure, said: "We are committed to making our playgrounds accessible and enjoyable for all children. The formation of this Focus Group is a significant step towards achieving that goal. We encourage community members with enthusiasm for inclusivity to join us in this important work."
Interested parties who wish to join the Focus Group and attend the first meeting on 10 August should email parks@colchester.gov.uk to express their interest.
The ongoing survey to gather community input on the future of the Castle Park playground can be completed here.