Making green spaces accessible with Warwickshire Playground Boards

Communication Boards project with Warwick District Council

Children writing
Symbol display

When it comes to embracing the great outdoors, our local parks and playgrounds continue to provide recreational areas for communities to enjoy all year round. But what if symbols could ensure even more individuals felt able to engage with the green spaces around them?

Woburn Widgit Symbols 1
Woburn Widgit Symbols 2

This autumn, we were delighted to play a role in preserving Warwick district’s parks and playgrounds for generations to come by unveiling a new range of colourful Communication and Playground Boards. From wildlife to play equipment – including Widgit Symbols depicting feelings and emotions – the specially-designed boards ensure individuals of all abilities can connect with these settings in their own unique way.

Warwickshire Playground Boards Widgit Symbols 1

In partnership with Everest Clinic and Warwick’s local Evergreen School, Widgit were tasked with designing boards that celebrate the unique environment of a park or playground, while ensuring those with communication difficulties feel empowered to enjoy what they offer. Following a chance encounter with a Playground Board in Wales, Evergreen School’s Ella Billiald decided to explore the idea closer to home.

I worked closely with Widgit and the Green Spaces team at Warwick District Council to design both bespoke boards and generic boards providing pictorial symbols for those who struggle with language, so that anyone can communicate their needs, wants and interests. - Ella Billiald, Teacher, Evergreen School

Installed across the district’s larger public spaces such as Jephson Gardens, Mill Gardens, Newbold Comyn and Victoria Park, the boards represent Warwick District Council’s commitment to inclusivity and improving the accessibility of public play areas. So much so that Warwick District Council’s Green Spaces team plans to introduce the boards to nearly 50 additional locations within the district.

It is absolutely wonderful to see the communication boards being installed in the parks and play areas across Warwick District. This initiative shows the Council’s commitment to inclusivity and will make a huge difference to the culture and access of green spaces and play areas across the district. - Nick Evans, Executive Headteacher, Evergreen School
Warwickshire Playground Boards Widgit Symbols 2

At Widgit, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to play. We partner with councils, schools and organisations across the UK and beyond to create welcoming environments where young people of all abilities can thrive.

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– Inclusive animal experiences with Woburn