Wheelchair user We-Go-Swing installed in Kilbogget Park

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have launched a new piece of inclusive playground equipment – the We-Go-Swing.

Located at Kilbogget Park playground, it is suitable for all children, but designed specifically for children with a physical disability that use a wheelchair.

Speaking at the launch, Councillor Denis O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (pictured above with with Ellie McHugh, aged 11 and Aisling McHugh) said:

“The installation of this swing is a demonstration of this Council’s commitment to continuing to develop our county as a front runner in terms of the inclusion of accessible facilities in all areas of the public realm”

The We-Go-Swing is located beside other swing sets and playground equipment so that a child with a physical disability can enjoy the activity surrounded by their friends, family and other children and is part of an initiative to provide more inclusive equipment for all abilities in parks around the County over the next few years.

Gwen O’Looney, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership, commented:

“The We-Go-Swing is a great step in making more inclusive places for a child with a disability to have fun and be included.

“In Kilbogget Park there are a range of sporting and active things to do and now the We-Go-Swing will add to the County Councils ethos of inclusiveness.”

This new equipment is part of the Sports Inclusion Disability Programme in the County, which is an initiative that works to increase the participation of all abilities in sport and physical activity.

The wheelchair platform and swing frame enables wheelchair users to experience both the joy and the physical benefits of swinging.

This sturdily constructed swing frame and wheelchair platform ensures children with limited mobility are not excluded from enjoying all aspects of swinging.

Funded by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Sport Ireland through the Dormant Accounts Fund, the We-Go-Swing can be used by a number of kids (or big kids) at a time, including children with their family, friends or parents.