SPORTS & PLAY and accessible items such as Conferences , talking tubes installed along the perimeter of the fence including some at seated height , help to create safe spaces which are accessible and enjoyable for many people that are neurodivergent . Wheelchair users and those in prams have been considered in the design with a Rocking Plate located near to the entrance , a bespoke Pairs Game , including icons associated with London and the South Bank and a Stroking Stone Seal a friendly creature to touch , sit and play on . The smooth shapes of the concrete form provide a different tactile experience for all users . For children with limited mobility a Sea-Roarer can be tilted and rolled by shifting their weight on the large steel disc creating crashing wave sounds of a rolling ocean .
Unusually , for a prime Central London open space , Jubilee Gardens is managed by a small locally based charitable trust , comprising representatives of local residents , businesses and adjacent landowners .
Ted Inman , Chair of the Jubilee Gardens Trust which manages the gardens , said : “ Over 8m people visited Jubilee Gardens every year prior to the pandemic and the playground is a much-loved essential play space for local children and visitors to enjoy . As a charity we rely on grants to keep Jubilee Gardens safe and beautiful . We are grateful for the s106 funding from Southbank Place provided through Lambeth Council which enabled us to make this much needed upgrade to the playground .”
Cllr Holland said “ Playgrounds and greenspaces like Jubilee Gardens are essential for children ’ s wellbeing , particularly for the 70 per cent of local residents who don ’ t have access to a garden . The reopening of this playground is great news for local children who have a safe , challenging and fun environment in which to enjoy being outdoors and with their peers . It is particularly important that the playground caters for all children and is genuinely inclusive to their needs .”
Managing Director Paul Collings of Timberplay who created the playground , said “ Jubilee gardens is an exceptional play space used by thousands of people each day , the design we created ensures its longevity for years to come .
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