Butlin's in Skegness has officially opened a brand new park designed to cater for children with additional needs. SKYPARK, which cost £2.5 million, opened at the resort on Monday, April 3.
Butlin's said it is designed specifically so children of all abilities can play together. Kids will enter the playground through The Heart Line – a pathway that pulses with light – and discover six play zones.
The state-of-the-art playground is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible trampoline and roundabout, sit-up swings for support and sociability, and wheelchair-friendly walkways and ramps, to ensure no child is left on the side lines. Attractions also include climbing towers, tunnel slides and the UK's longest seesaw (24 meters).
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At the centre of the park is the 14-meter tall Tower of Excitement, which provides a panoramic sea-view and an illuminated 10-metre slide. TV personality and autism awareness campaigner, Christine McGuinness, visited SKYPARK to celebrate its opening.
"I know first-hand just how important play is for all children, but to have an environment where kids of all abilities can play together is really special," said Ms McGuinness, who was diagnosed with autism in adulthood and has three autistic children.
“Children with additional needs such as autism can often lack confidence and need that extra support when it comes to communication. By allowing kids to play and learn from each other, we’re helping to facilitate a better understanding for everyone."
Jon Hendry-Pickup, CEO at Butlin’s, added: “Launching Butlin’s SKYPARK is an incredibly proud moment for us as a business and it is the first of many exciting investments we’re making across our three resorts in the next few years. Our new playground provides a safe, stimulating place for children of all abilities to play together. We can’t wait to see families enjoying our incredible new playground this Easter and beyond.”
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