Barnet Labour has revamped or opened 20 playgrounds across the borough, making many more inclusive for children with additional needs since May 2022.
Parks that have benefited since Labour’s election in May 2022 include Basing Hill Park, Brunswick Park and Market Place Playground.
The figures were revealed at the January meeting of the full council. The borough’s flagship inclusive playground, Fair Play Barnet, opened in January 2024, and has led to improvements in playgrounds generally. It is the first inclusive and accessible playground of its kind in the country.
This includes making sure there is equipment that can be accessed by a range of abilities including children and young people who use wheelchairs, those requiring support to sit and those with full movement.
Several playgrounds now feature wheelchair accessible roundabouts, sloped accessible multi play units, nest swings, supportive swing seats and sensory play items.
Barnet resident and father-of-one Oliver Steward said: “The new playground in New Southgate Recreation Ground has been brilliant for families like mine. There’s equipment for kids as they get older. We are expecting a second child, and it will be lovely to be able to take both to the park.”
Barnet Labour’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, Cllr Alan Schneiderman said: “The Conservatives snoozed on the parks agenda when they were in charge. Barnet lost all of its Green Flag awards, security patrols lacked sufficient enforcement powers and they abandoned some green spaces altogether.
“It has been great under Labour to improve or open 20 playgrounds. Our proactive approach to parks means that we will always push for cleaner, safer parks with better facilities.”
