text: Pupils have more reasons to celebrate at Bluebell Park - Liverpool Echo
  Pupils have more reasons to celebrate at Bluebell Park
  New outdoor facilities are a hit with Knowsley youngsters
  11:20, 19 DEC 2014
  Children and young people enjoy a specially designed outdoor play area at Bluebell Park in Kirkby. Bluebell Park is a state-of-the art school providing primary, secondary and post-16 facilities for 190 students with special educational needs.
  Children and young people in Knowsley have been enjoying a specially designed outdoor play area at Bluebell Park in Kirkby.
  Bluebell Park is a state-of-the art school providing primary, secondary and post-16 facilities for 190 students with special educational needs.
  The play area has swings, roundabouts and a climbing frame that all pupils can use, regardless of their mobility issues.
  The play area has now been developed further with the creation of a multi-use games area, which was opened last month. This includes a fully inclusive ball court, which is fully wheelchair friendly and has wider access points and lower basketball hoops, as well as bright contrast colours for the visually impaired.
  A unique artificial grass surface has also been installed. Also included in the design is a street system surrounding the ball court that features road markings, roundabouts, zebra crossing and car parking spaces, encouraging children to learn the Highway Code whilst having fun.
  The new outdoor facilities complement the world-class internal facilities at the school which include a hydrotherapy pool, a number of sensory areas, a sports hall, performance hall and soft play area as well as specialist teaching areas for design and food technology.
  Cllr Gary See, Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services, said: "The completion of the external play facilities are a fantastic edition to Bluebell Park and provide our children and young people with enviable facilities that they can enjoy all year round.
  "I know the reaction from the children has been one of excitement and delight and I know they will be enjoyed for years to come."
  John Parkes, Headteacher at Bluebell Park, added: "Creating interactive outdoor play facilities was the brainchild of Sue Cowley, the school's business manager, who has recently retired after 40 years' service with the council.
  "Sue didn't want to leave until these facilities were completed, and I am sure the school, staff and pupils will join me in thanking Sue for her commitment to this project and the legacy that she has left the school for all of our pupils to enjoy both now and in the future.
  "We would also like to thank all the businesses and foundations that have supported the project through their donations. We would not have been able to create this without their generosity."
  The outdoor facilities were designed by Sutcliffe Play, who were tasked with providing exciting, accessible play areas in which children of all abilities could play together.
  The facilities are also used by the Knowsley Outreach team for their after school activities for the pupils.