Happyhansel play area in Walls is the first in Shetland to see an upgrade under the Council’s five-year improvements programme.
The play area has recently had three items of play equipment installed: a ‘birds nest’ swing, and an ability roundabout and ability swing – both of which can be used by anyone in a wheelchair. The three items complement the existing play equipment and offer improved access for children of all abilities.
Shetland Islands Council has been allocated at total of £362,000 of funding over five years from the Scottish Government, as part of a national funding package to improve play areas. Earlier this year, Councillors agreed to a programme of improvements in Shetland play areas, focussed on promoting inclusion and with designs developed with input from local inclusion charity Ability Shetland.
The new items of play equipment, plus installation, at Happyhansel play area has cost around £59,000. Future works are planned in other play areas that will see equipment upgraded to more inclusive options.
David Sandison, Chair of the Council’s Education and Families Committee said: “I’m really pleased to see the first upgrade taking place at Happyhansel play area. It’s great to have worked with Ability Shetland on this to help make our play spaces more accessible to more children. Our staff inspect and maintain a network of play areas in communities across Shetland and these improvement works will continue in the coming years.”
- Shetland Islands Council currently manages 86 play parks and multicourts across Shetland, through the Sport & Leisure Service.
- In August 2021, the Scottish government announced funding to all local authorities throughout Scotland to improve play areas.