Making Play More Inclusive at Simmons Park
The Liberty Swing at Simmons Park, Lindisfarne, has been a well-loved piece of equipment for wheelchair users since it was installed in 2007. However, it’s now time for an upgrade.
When it was first put in, the swing was considered top-of-the-line for accessible play. But over the years, a few design issues have become clear. To use the swing, you need a special key, and it’s surrounded by high fencing. These features make it harder for people to use and don’t match today’s best practices for inclusive play design.
What’s Happening Next?
The City of Clarence has received funding from the Local Government Association Tasmania to replace the Liberty Swing with new, inclusive, wheelchair-accessible play equipment.
We want to hear from you! We’re especially looking for ideas and feedback from children, families, and carers who use the swing. Your input will help us make a community-driven decision on the new equipment.
Why Are We Replacing the Liberty Swing?
When it was first installed, the Liberty Swing was a big step forward in accessible play. It allows users to stay in their wheelchairs while swinging, which was a fantastic innovation at the time.
However, because of safety concerns while the swing is in motion, it has to be fenced off from the wider playground. To use it, you also need a special Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK Key) to unlock the safety harness and ramp. Unfortunately, the key barrel and lock can get stuck, leaving people unable to use the swing.
Having to separate children from the rest of the playground with fences and needing a special key to access equipment can make visiting the park more complicated for families.
Inclusive Play for Everyone
Play equipment design has come a long way since 2007. There are now plenty of wheelchair-friendly options that don’t require keys or fencing. These new designs make it easy for all children, regardless of age or ability, to swing, rock, bounce, spin, or just play together.
Below are some examples of the kinds of inclusive play equipment we’re considering.
Provide feedback and have your say
Council is inviting ideas and feedback on the proposal to replace the Liberty Swing. We invite everyone who uses the swing as well as their friends, family, carers and organisations advocating for people with disability, to engage with the project.
Feedback will help to inform the selection of the most suitable new item of equipment and the design of the surrounding landscape.
Feedback can be provided by completing the below survey or by contacting Council via the options listed in the ‘who’s listening’ panel to the right.
