Cork playground for families with disabilities to be first of its kind in country

The Crann Centre leisure area in Ovens will be accessible for wheelchair users of all ages

Brendan Murphy (6) who is a client of the Crann Centre, and his siblings, Clara and Felipe, with Crann's Chief Executive, Padraig Mallon; Alice Moore, PhD Candidate at UCC’s Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy; Crann’s Founder and Board Chair, Kate Jarvey, and Dr Helen Lynch of UCC’s Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, at the launch of the Crann Centre’s €500,000 fundraising campaign to build an inclusive playground and leisure area for families with disabilities. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan 

A Cork-based charity is hoping to raise €500,000 to build a new playground and leisure area for families with disabilities, in what would be the first venture of its kind in this country.

The Crann Centre, which provides lifelong support for families living with neuro-physical disabilities, said that of its 200 service users, three-quarters found accessibility and lack of suitable activities the main barriers in using public playgrounds.