Appendix 1

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INCLUSIVE PLAY AREAS – ENGAGEMENT REPORT

1 Planning of engagement

1.1 Engagement Mandate Dumfries and Galloway Council needed to understand the views of local communities, in particular representative groups for children with a disability and community organisations seeking to improve play areas in Annan, Dumfries and Stranraer concerning their preference on the most suitable location for an inclusive play area in their area and what facilities would be required to make these play areas accessible and inclusive to all abilities so that DGC can confirm the sites for investment and agree a way forward in each area that maximises any opportunities being developed by community and voluntary groups. on/by September 2017 so as to ensure that the project outcomes and milestones can be met as agreed in the Councils budget for 2017/18. 1.2 Stakeholders Stakeholders are an individual, group or party that either affects or is affected by an organisation, policy, programme or decision. The stakeholders for this engagement are: Annan Parental Inclusion Network (PIN) SHAP, NHS D&G

Annan Community Council Active Schools, L&S, DGC

St Columba’s Playgroup Disability Sports, L&S DGC

Newington Learning Zone

Dumfries Super Mondays (Oasis Youth Centre) Dumfries

Parent Inclusion Network (Dumfries)

Buddies (Dumfries) DG Carers

DGVoice The Usual Place

Compass Brain Injury Specialists NHS D&G/ Health & Social Care Integration

The Catherine Street Park Group Parents/Carers/Young people/Older Adults with additional support needs

Stranraer Wigtownshire Family Support Group (WFSG)

NHS Children’s Physiotherapy

Health & Social Care Integration – Health Improvement

Education/Nursery/Family Learning

NHS Children’s Occupational Therapy Children / Young People / Parents/Carers/ Older Adults with additional support needs

Parent Inclusion Network Quarriers

YMCA

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1.3 Methodology The Engagement Team gathered information using a variety of methods; reviewing existing information gathered by groups already involved in developing Inclusive Play, an online and hard copy survey and focus groups for key stakeholders including children and young people. The focus group discussions were designed to ensure that the views of adults, children and young people with disabilities including carers and representatives of disabled groups and groups interested in developing play areas were gathered. These provided opportunities for individuals and groups to share their thoughts and opinions based on their knowledge and experience of play facilities across Dumfries and Galloway and what they felt would be required to ensure the delivery of three inclusive play parks across the region.

1.4 Timeline Pre-engagement Planning - 19th May – 15th June Engagement - 16th June – 17th July (4 weeks) Post- engagement - 18th July – 1st August – Analysis of Feedback 1st August – 28th August – Consideration of feedback, preparation of Committee Report to Communities Committee 1.5 Resources The costs of the engagement process were minimal as the main resource required was staff time. Costs of less than £100 were required for the printing of hard copy surveys and room hire and refreshments for 3 focus groups. 1.6 National Standards for Community Engagement

From the outset of developing the process of the engagement and consultation on ‘Inclusive Play’ through each step of planning, communication, and delivery through to review we have sought to follow the National Standards for Community Engagement as set out below:

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At the planning stage we understood fully the purpose for the engagement and based our questions and activities around better understanding the communities needs and aspirations We worked jointly in preparing the consultation process and made full use of the skills and experience of colleagues and partners to ensure we had an agreed set of questions and activities which would deliver on the aims of the engagement. We established our methodology to ensure our consultation and engagement was as robust and inclusive as it could possibly be. Our communication aimed to be as inclusive as it could be, targeting community groups and individuals; schools and nurseries; community councils, individuals; statutory bodies and charities, with the voice of youth and older members of the community listened to. Where support to participate in our focus groups was required, we made this possible by ensuring venues offered the greatest degree of accessibility as possible. We produced hard copy questionnaires and these were available online too. We circulated the survey through customer service centres, schools, nurseries, partner agencies to acknowledge the diversity of our communities and to encourage involvement from those with protected characteristics within our communities. We are taking care to identify and address the full impact of our community engagement and this in turn is influencing the report to members.

1.7 Summary of Consultation Findings

941 responses were received to the consultation with additional feedback received from focus groups from key stakeholders.

An average 33% of respondents described themselves as having or caring for someone with a disability.

Most responses were submitted using the online survey

From all survey responses Newington Park was the preferred location for investment in Annan

From all survey responses Dock Park was the preferred location for investment in Dumfries

From all survey responses Agnew Park was marginally the preferred location for investment in Stranraer closely followed by Stair Park.

Respondents took the time to make over 250 comments relating to their preferred location for investment. Most comments related to the need for investment in parks outwith Annan, Dumfries and Stranraer.

The top 3 priorities required to make a play area inclusive were identified as an Enclosed play area for safety and cleanliness, Accessible play park furniture (benches & seats) and a Changing places toilet facility

Respondents prioritised physical play equipment as the top priority followed by , sensory and interactive equipment.

A detailed breakdown of responses including the feedback from all focus groups is provided in Appendix 1.

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Detailed Analysis of responses to consultation Appendix 1

1. The table below details the number of respondents to the survey (online and paper copy) including those who responded indicating they had a disability or cared for someone with a disability.

Table 1 Location No. of

respondents % of total respondents

Annan 204 22

Dumfries 543 58

Stranraer 182 19

Not answered 12 1

Total 941 100%

Table 2 Location No. of respondents with a

disability or caring for someone with a disability*

% of total respondents with a disability/caring for someone with a disability

Annan 67 32

Dumfries 184 33

Stranraer 65 35

Not answered 5 0

Total 321 100%

*Note 1 – 45% of those with a disability replied answering that they cared for someone with a disability.

2. The table below details the number of respondents participating in the consultation by method. This includes a breakdown of the methods used by those responding with a disability or as a carer of someone with a disability.

Response Type

No. of respondents

% of respondents

No. of respondents with a disability/ caring for someone with a disability

% of respondents with a disability/ caring for someone with a disability

Online Questionnaire

839 89% 274 32.65%

Hard copy Questionnaire

102 11% 42 41.17%

Focus Groups Annan

24 11 45.8%

Focus Groups Dumfries

18 11 61.11%

Focus Groups Stranraer

51 22 43.13%

Social Media Comments Received (Facebook)

159

3. The graphs and tables below show the responses to all survey questions (online and paper copy) including a breakdown of those who responded indicating they had a disability or cared for someone with a disability.

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Question 1 For a Park to be ‘accessible to all’ it should be easily accessed with good quality paths that are surfaced to a high standard. Seats and benches should be available as well as nearby car parking and toilet facilities. Please rank the following parks on a scale of 1 to 6, with 1 being your favourite, that has the most potential to be accessible to all. (respondents could only comment on the parks in their chosen area – Annan, Dumfries or Stranraer) 1.1 Annan All responses

Reponses from those with a disability

Responses from carers of those with a disability

2.50

1.97 1.87

Newington Park Seaforth Park Weyroc Park (adjacent toNewington Leisure Centre)

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

Score

2.67

2.10 2.08

Newington Park Seaforth Park Weyroc Park (adjacent toNewington Leisure Centre)

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

Score

2.43 2.11

1.78

Newington Park Seaforth Park Weyroc Park (adjacent toNewington Leisure Centre)

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

Score

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1.2 Dumfries All responses

Reponses from those with a disability

Responses from carers of those with a disability

3.47

3.99

4.91

2.86

3.42 3.42

Calside Catherine StPlay Area

Dock Park Glentrool Park Mill green Noblehill

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Score

2.76

4.86 4.70

3.95

3.28 3.22

Calside Catherine StPlay Area

Dock Park Glentrool Park Mill green Noblehill

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Score

3.39

4.05

4.93

2.92

3.39 3.47

Calside Catherine StPlay Area

Dock Park Glentrool Park Mill green Noblehill

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Score

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1.3 Stranraer All responses

Responses from those with a disability

Responses from carers of those with a disability

3.31

1.95

1.63

3.16

Agnew Park King George V(Bogue)

Ochtrelure Stair Park

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50

Score

3.25

2.08

1.58

3.07

Agnew Park King George V(Bogue)

Ochtrelure Stair Park

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50

Score

3.19

2.10

1.56

3.23

Agnew Park King George V(Bogue)

Ochtrelure Stair Park

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50

Score

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1.4 Preferred location shown by 1st and 2nd preferences only. This table displays the 1st and 2nd choices only of those who answered this survey question. Note - All response are displayed for Annan as there is no clear difference between 2nd and 3rd preferences.

1.5 Question 1 contd Please specify any park not mentioned above? Responses from those answering for Annan 70 Online Comments , Most comments related to parks outwith Annan, the majority of comments were in favour of Haggs Park, whilst the remainder were requesting support for their respective local playparks. “Everholm Park, by the river, which is central, has toilet facilities in pavilion building and close to shops and cafes this will encourage tourists and locals, also has a car park making it easy access”. “Another park down by the river needs a lot of attention” “There should be funding put into Ecclefechan, it has a fantastic community support but it needs more things like funding” (34 direct comments). “Haggs Ecclefechan has seen some development through the hard work of community but would benefit from a cash injection to allow more facilities for children with mobility issues and disabilities. Disabled access toilets are also required in Ecclefechan’s park. The quality of path ways around the park are also an issue for residents and users of park area.”

Name of Park Annan First Second

Total no of 1st and 2nd

responses

Overall Position

Newington Park 69 28 97 1

Seaforth 33 32 65 2

Weyroc Park 28 34 62 3

Name of Park in Dumfries First Second Number of Responses

Overall Position

Catherine St Play Area 82 38 120 2

Dock Park 171 56 227 1

Name of Park in Stranraer First Second Number of responses

Overall Position

Agnew Park 87 40 127 2

Stair Park 61 73 134 1

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Responses from those answering for Dumfries 177 online comments received, 41 requesting Cargenbridge Park and 24 referring to Lincluden Park. Most comments related to Spreading the finances to support, improve and enhance all play facilities cross the region: “It would be good if this was part of an overall strategy to provide a hierarchy of play areas for ALL residents, like there is in new housing developments”. “Please dispense these facilities region wide” “I think this best idea council had for years everywhere should be easy accessed” Other exemplar comments indicated the level of support currently generated by local communities looking to develop parks in the wider Dumfries area: “The community in Cargenbridge are very keen to create a park that is inclusive for all. Local school and nursery are keen to use the park if it gets improved. Also close new hospital” “Another with potential to be accessible is Popeye's in Lincluden”. Responses from those answering for Stranraer 22 online comments, Most comments related to Parks out with Stranraer, the commentary received indicates support for a more strategic approach to improving and enhancing parks throughout the region: “Why can’t other parks get upgraded in smaller towns? Stranraer and Dumfries get everything. Surely the kids in other town’s deserve a safe fun park to play at without a 50 miles round trip” “Why is it only Dumfries, Annan and Stranraer again? Surely some of the other towns in the region such as Dalbeattie, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbright might benefit from some investment for a change” “Why Why Why are projects like this always appear to be in Stranraer ? Annan? Why? Annan is 16(/) miles from Dumfries yet Newton Stewart residents have to travel 25 miles to Stranraer. Shameful discrimination “

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Question 2 Please tell us which of the key requirements needed to make the park “accessible to all” are most important to you? Ranked in order of importance, 1 being most important:

All responses

Responses from those with a disability

3.88 4.16

3.26

3.84

4.66 4.62

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50

4.00

4.50

5.00

Score

4.23 4.38

3.62 3.99

4.66 4.66

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50

4.00

4.50

5.00

Score

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Responses from carers of those with a disability

This table displays the 1st and 2nd choices only of those who answered this survey question.

First Second Total Overall Position

Car Parking Provision close to the play area 97 65 162 4

Changing places toilet facility 124 58 182 3

Café/refreshment area close by 49 48 97 6

Easily accessible from main roads 79 80 159 5

Enclosed play area for safety and cleanliness 178 28 206 2

Accessible play park furniture (benches & seats) 161 50 211 1

4.10 4.35

3.40

4.02

4.73 4.68

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50

4.00

4.50

5.00

Score

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The pattern emerging from the majority of comments received indicated the following: First and foremost the comments received indicate that full recognition needs to be given to accessibility of parks and facilities by wheelchair users and their families/carers (See responses to Accessible play & General comments) “Play equipment for wheelchair bound children, and visually impaired children” “Play equipment for those with disabilities I.e. Wheelchair users special swings etc.” This was then followed by:

Accessible seating provision for Parents, grandparents and carers with good shelter/shading provision

And finally

The provision of Changing Places facilities. Accessible Play park Furniture “Tables that are able to get wheelchair under so don't have to sit to the side and twist” “A path right round the park that can be used by someone who uses a wheelchair with enough room for a person to be standing alongside and be with the person as well as someone to push the chair if required. Dementia friendly seating and equipment” Enclosed play area for safety and cleanliness “An enclosed area where dogs cannot foul the play park is vital for cleanliness and safety” “A park that is secure. Many children with learning difficulties have difficulty in assessing danger” Changing places toilet facility “changing places are the biggest things needed to make it fully accessible to all” “Facilities for toilets & ramps for disabled on site” What types of play equipment should be included in the park, this could be to encourage group play, sole play, sensory play, physical play.

4.34

4.54

4.74

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

Sensory Interactive Physical play

Score

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Sensory – Equipment that stimulates senses including touch, sight, movement and hearing. “Water spray play area Sand area;” “sensory plants” Interactive – Equipment that supports interaction with others, independent play, social skills such as making friends, taking turns, sharing with others, group play. “Equipment disabled children and non-disabled children can use together” “You could extend the existing play area in Dock park so as not to create a separate area which goes against inclusion” Physical play – Equipment that helps children use energy, improve balance and coordination and help children move more. “Equipment also suitable for disabled kids- swings etc. so they can enjoy the park like everyone else” “Things such as swings and roundabouts with larger /wider seats for larger kids and young adults with special needs who may be physically 6ft tall and 16 but mentally only 5 or 6. As currently my step son who already can only go to the park on wet cold days as he too big and uncoordinated to be around little kids can’t even use most parks as he gets stuck on everything Summary of responses to Focus Groups Annan – Focus Group representing Parents/Carers, Organisations supporting young people with disabilities, organisations supporting play and education and health representatives and parks groups What types of play equipment would you like to see in the park? (There are a few visual layouts of equipment provided to aid your discussion) the 5 members that attended the focus group felt that the below equipment was all just as important as each other and that all types of equipment could be used by able and disabled users.

Sensory – Very Important

Interactive – Very Important

Physical play – Very Important Additional Comments

Audible equipment

Lights, glitter balls and chimes

Sensory area and tunnel

Swing for wheel chairs users

Different textures for visual impaired

Have benches that wheel chairs can fit under

Good signposting

Fencing around the play area

The surface that used is sufficient for wheelchairs users and people with mobility issues

Look at funding options Tesco, Aldi, Awards for All, Participatory Budgeting, funds with the community council, assets and APPS group, Chaplecross, developers Fund (Cummingham housing, Loreburn)

Must be a joined up project and they don’t want to end up with 2 separate parks

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Concluding question Of all the things we’ve discussed this afternoon, what would you say are the most important issues you would like to express about ‘Inclusive Play’ provision for Annan? • Toilets were discussed and felt that this was a must especially for people

travelling to the park. • All families with disabled and non-disabled children can have fun together and

not to brand the park Inclusive so to put abled users off. Interaction with disabled groups and children is important

• Inclusion for ALL is the most important aspect. Dumfries – Focus Group representing Parents/Carers, Organisations supporting young people with disabilities, organisations supporting play and education and health representatives, community councils and established parks groups. Most important issues expressed about ‘Inclusive Play’ provision for Dumfries:

• Toilets; toilets; toilets • All families with disabled and non-disabled children can have fun days –

Provide tables/chairs and space for disability chairs to fit under them.

• Inclusion for ALL is the key, despite age or disability. It is important to make ALL parks suitable for all the community and not just children.

• Interaction with disabled groups and children is important to make parks caring resources and make them feel important.

• D&G needs to take account of its changing demographic and future plan facilities; parks and community resources to account for an aging population and an increasing number of elderly people with disabilities and frailties that still want to safely access public parks.

Key recommendations from the focus group were:

• Consider the landscaping and not just the equipment; • Make sure the play area is fully sensory for sound, scent; touch; light

and shape. • Also, include an occupational therapist and physio in the planning process. • Most Important, is to follow GIRFEC

And for the Final Questions:

Do you feel that you have been listened to today? (YES) from all 18 present Did this session allow you to have your voice heard? (YES) from all 18

present

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Follow up supplementary question: 30 June 2017 When asked if they had any further comment participants would like to make with regard to the consultation on 'inclusive play' that they would like to see included in the body of the report? Thanks. I thought the meeting was very productive and, for me, most informative. Trevor Muir, Chairman, Friends of Dock Park Hi Chris, Thank you for your e-mail and invitation to feedback or comment on the consultation. 1) From a DGVoice perspective representing Disabled people and older people, I felt that our views were taken on board and we were listened to particularly in relation to changes to demographics and older disabled people wishing to access parks. 2) Personally, I feel that the process can be the catalyst for improving Inclusive Play Parks across the area and will positively improve access to playparks for disabled people of all ages. 3) I appreciate that owing to limited resources, it necessitates that funding will be targeted for specific Playparks, therefor leaving questions over the quality and access of other Parks in the area. Invariably there may be some people and communities disappointed when the process is concluded. DG Voice Stranraer – Focus Group representing Parents/Carers, Organisations supporting young people with disabilities, organisations supporting play and education and health representatives were asked to list the parks in order of preference

Name of Park 1 2 Overall Position

Agnew Park 5 4 2

Stair Park 7 4 1

Agnew Park “Building already there for inclusive toilet facilities” “Possible segregation- two separate parks due to available space” Stair Park “Family Support Group have been working on developing a play park on this site, They have 42.5K and have applications in for funding from a variety of funders in including Holywood Trust, Stranraer CC, Tesco Bags for Life, Thomas Cook as well as other fundraising activities, Planning and preparation have been completed by the group”

“Current parking needs reviewed”

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The group discussed the key requirements needed to make the park ‘accessible to all’. Parents of Children with a disability & organisations working with Children with a disability stated that the most important priority was changing places toilet facility, with the agency working with all children stated enclosed play area for safety and cleanliness as the most important. The second most important factor for parents was enclosed play area for safety and cleanliness and the both organisations working with all children stated car parking facility.

The Focus group agreed that all types of equipment were as important as each other, stating the following should be taken into consideration:

• Ensure sensory equipment for children and young people with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorders

• Bigger equipment – accessible for all age groups/sizes • Physical equipment for older children /adults • Adjustable equipment – many sizes/heights

Feedback from Focus group members Did you feel that you were listened to? Yes Did the session allow you to have your voice heard? Yes it was really good and well run. The sessions held with YMCA Disability Sport Session and YMCA youth group were slightly different as they were only asked to choose their preferred park , most young people based this on the park nearest to where they lived.

Name of Park Disability Sport Session & YMCA

Youth Group

Overall Position

Agnew Park 18 1

Stair Park 16 2

Most comments from young people referred to having no dogs or dog mess in the park with other comments including the need for bigger equipment.

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Summary of social media feedback –174 Most comments related to: spreading the financial resources to enhance and improve parks across the region, this was closely followed by specific requests for new equipment to meet the needs of wheelchair users and profoundly disabled children. Some comments related to: Making the parks accessible to all users and recognising the spread of ages of the communities that use parks, from toddlers to elderly and those with a disability, a park is for all. Next Steps

Review the findings of the engagement to inform recommendations to Communities Committee for the investment of £500,000 for inclusive play.

Publish the detailed findings of the consultation at dumgal.gov.uk

Provide key stakeholders and those who have requested feedback the detailed findings.

Continue to review the detailed feedback during the planning process for each key site.