This report provides an overview of the findings emerging from a study undertaken with families who have a family member(s) with physical disability; learning difficulty; sensory, medical, undiagnosed need or a combination of needs.

The study, undertaken in Northern Ireland during the Spring of 2019, was developed in response to an appeal by families who are experiencing exclusion from essential outdoor play experiences within fixed play parks. The purpose of this report is to inform policy makers and those involved in play park development about the lived experience of families.

The findings provide compelling evidence that families are facing exclusion from play park environments in Northern Ireland. Findings are presented across six thematic areas: getting to the play park; play park site facilities; access to play; participation in play; communication; and attitudes.

Development and delivery of the study was led by a partnership between PlayBoard NI and the Mae Murray Foundation.