💬 Communication Boards Bring Fun and Inclusivity to East Ayrshire’s Play Parks
- Celine Dyer
- May 2
- 2 min read
East Ayrshire is taking a big step toward making playtime more inclusive for all children and young people.
Thanks to a collaborative initiative between East Ayrshire Council’s Vibrant Communities and Greener Communities, and the East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s Speech and Language Therapy team, 12 local play parks are now home to vibrant new communication boards.
These boards are designed to support children with speech, language, and communication needs, using symbols, pictures, and words to help them express themselves and engage with others. They’re a simple but powerful tool that turns everyday play into a more inclusive experience.
🛝 Where You’ll Find Them
The communication boards have been installed in the following parks:
Piersland, Kilmarnock
Annanhill, Kilmarnock
New Farm, Kilmarnock
Hutchison Drive, Darvel
Richardson Park, Hurlford
Morton Park, Kilmaurs
Woodroad Park, Cumnock
Logan, East Ayrshire
Dalrymple, East Ayrshire
KGV Park, Dalmellington
Merlin Park, Auchinleck
Riverside Park, Catrine
💙 Why It Matters: These boards help break down communication barriers, making it easier for all children — especially those who are non-verbal or neurodivergent — to participate in play and social interaction. They also promote empathy and understanding among peers, creating a more connected and compassionate community.
🗣️ Ariana Thompson, Speech and Language Therapy Service Manager, shared:
“This piece of work has been a fantastic example of collaborative working which has real benefit to children and young people and our communities.”
📈 And there’s more to come — East Ayrshire Council has committed £600,000 over the next year to further support speech, language, and communication projects.
🙌 This initiative is a shining example of how thoughtful design and community collaboration can make public spaces more welcoming for everyone.
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