Gympanzees, a purpose-built play and leisure facility for disabled children, is set to open in spring following over ten years of planning and development. The centre was conceived in 2016 by Stephanie Wheen, a children’s physiotherapist in Bristol, who identified significant gaps in accessible recreation opportunities for disabled young people. Research indicates that half of UK playgrounds lack accessibility features for disabled children, and disabled children face twice the obesity rate of their non-disabled peers.
Wheen and her team initially tested the concept through pop-up sessions held in school buildings during holidays, which attracted substantial interest from families willing to travel considerable distances. The success of these temporary operations demonstrated both the viability of the idea and the demand for such services. The team subsequently secured a former service station site northwest of Bristol, requiring a £2.2 million loan for purchase. Total fundraising efforts have yielded over £10 million for the renovation and build-out, with £400,000 remaining to be secured.
The facility spans 4,000 square metres across two storeys and will include ten dedicated spaces designed with accessibility as a primary consideration. Features include a soft play area with integrated hoist systems for wheelchair users, sensory rooms with adjustable lighting, a music room, climbing and trampoline areas, and a fully accessible outdoor play park. Specialized amenities include a party room with eye-gaze controlled equipment and a cafe with a shop stocking medical supplies and assistive equipment.
The centre will operate tiered session types tailored to different needs: Butterfly sessions for children with complex medical requirements, Leopard sessions for those with sensory sensitivities, and Gorilla sessions for children with social interaction challenges. Parent testimonials highlight the absence of suitable recreational venues, with many families reporting discrimination and safety concerns at conventional facilities. Centre leadership anticipates annual visitor numbers reaching 200,000 once operational. Wheen has outlined plans to expand the model with twelve additional locations nationally to ensure all children have access to such facilities within reasonable distance.
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