Isle of Wight children's play park with wheelchair swing opens

After a near decade-long battle, Islander Nikki Collinson-Phenix's dream of creating "fun for all" has become a reality.

Hoards of "excited" children and parents turned out at the park, at Central Mead, for the official opening today (Sunday).

A "defining" conversation between Nikki and Ningwood mother, Karen Feltham, "planted the seed" for the park in 2015.

(Image: Contributed)

Karen mentioned how challenging she found taking her child, Maggie, who is in a wheelchair, to a playground, because most were not accessible.

Only yesterday (Saturday) did she find out that this conversation was the catalyst for Nikki taking on the project.

"I was speechless", Karen said.

"To do something so selfless for families on the Island and visitors who are wheelchair-bound, I'm in awe of her determination and resilience."

From left: Karen Feltham, Nikki Collinson-Phenix and foreground, Maggie Feltham. (Image: IWCP) Children and parents enjoying themselves at Godshill Play Park (Image: IWCP) Karen said the park will be "life-changing" for families as it will also mean wheelchair-bound parents can play with their children, too.

Maggie has always had to sit at the side lines and watch her siblings play in a park, Karen said, but now she can join in.

"To be able to come here and have her use the park, use the roundabout, use the swing without any stress and I know that she's safe, that is just absolutely phenomenal", Karen said.

"Maggie absolutely loves it. The only problem now is getting her off it!"

Read more: 

• New inclusive Isle of Wight children's play park in Godshill
• Inclusive Isle of Wight children's play park opening in Godshill

The project has suffered a number of setbacks along the way and it wasn't until 2021 that permission to build was eventually granted.

The following year, funding promised by the National Lottery was pulled due to Covid, leaving the park's future in doubt.

Earlier this year, the remaining money was secured thanks to Island businesses and anonymous donors.

Children and parents enjoying themselves at Godshill Play Park (Image: IWCP) Karen pushes Maggie on the swing (Image: IWCP) Among those who supported the project was Godshill resident Kevin Rann, of K R Rann Groundworks, who, at times, even worked in the rain to get the park "over the line".

Going forward, Nikki hopes the facility will be a "benchmark" for others across the Island.

She said: "It's the Island's first public wheelchair swing and I really hope it sets a precedent for all future play parks.

"We shouldn't have waited this long to have this."

Planning permission has also been secured for a new village hall to be built on Central Mead.

The moment the play park was opened (Image: IWCP)

Names of those who helped make Godshill Play Park a reality (Image: IWCP)