Advocating for and Enabling Inclusive City-wide Playable Spaces in Dumfries

That the Parliament welcomes the news that Catherine Street Inclusive Park in Dumfries, in the South Scotland region, has been selected as an international case study in the new WHO–UNICEF–UN Habitat SPACES report; commends Include Us for its leadership in championing inclusive play; recognises the wider work undertaken in Dumfries to create accessible, welcoming and fully inclusive playable spaces for children and families across the town; acknowledges the leadership shown by the Parents’ Inclusion Network, which in 2016 brought together families of children with disabilities and a range of local partners to campaign for public play spaces where all children could play freely alongside their siblings and friends; celebrates the transformation of Catherine Street Park into an inclusive community asset featuring a circular pathway, turfed grass areas, flower beds, raised growing beds, accessible seating and a range of sensory play opportunities; notes the installation of specialist equipment, including a wheelchair swing, a wheelchair-accessible roundabout and trampoline, a slack line and a climbing frame, ensuring that children with diverse needs can participate fully in play; recognises the contribution of local groups, volunteers and stakeholders in demonstrating how community-led initiatives can reshape urban environments to be more equitable and inclusive, and commends the ongoing efforts made in Dumfries to champion city-wide playable spaces that support social connection, wellbeing and the rights of all children to play.