Craigtoun Park Implements New Strategy to Increase Inclusivity

Craigtoun Park, situated near St Andrews, is implementing new changes to help people with limited verbal skills get the most out of their leisure time.

A series of ‘communication boards’ featuring symbols for activities such as ‘swing’, ‘climb’, ‘eat’, or ‘toilet’ are displayed in Craigtoun Country Park. Children or other visitors with limited verbal skills can express themselves by simply pointing at the symbol that illustrates what they would like to do next.

"I know from speaking to the parents and carers that this has made a huge difference to the kids and to themselves,” park manager Paul Dixon told The Saint. “It certainly makes the park more inclusive and has encouraged us to do more to make it so.”

Craigtoun Country Park, which is two miles southwest of St Andrews, extends over 47 acres and is a popular destination for families. The communication boards are just one example of how the park is working to expand its accessibility. Mr Dixon said the initiative to make the park a more inclusive and family-friendly environment stemmed partly from conversations with visiting parents. 

"They were telling us that it was difficult for them to relax when the children were running around without a secure area," he said. The park management responded by making the popular Rose Garden into a gated area. They also added a gazebo to offer shelter from the Fife weather — and most recently installed sensory toys, interactive games, and communication boards to improve accessibility.

The boards are the positive result of a collaboration between Enable and Fife Health and Social Care Partnership. Their steps towards inclusivity exemplify a thoughtful and practical approach, demonstrating how small changes can address the diverse needs of park visitors without excessive cost or effort. It’s hoped that the idea of communication boards will be taken up by other parks and recreation spaces.

Mr Dixon said, “All parks should have these types of boards available to make them more inclusive to everyone, children and adults alike.”  

Image by R. Cornwell