Children in wheelchairs can now ride a carousel in Tallinn

TALLINN – A playground for children with severe and profound disabilities, located at the Tallinn Children's Home in Mustamäe, received a significant addition with the opening of its second phase on Thursday: a carousel that children in wheelchairs can now enjoy.

The aim of the Tallinn Children's Home playground is to provide outdoor play opportunities for children with severe and profound disabilities. The equipment was selected with accessibility in mind, ensuring that children with diverse mobility needs can participate. The playground, constructed as a charity project led and funded by Riser Ehitus OÜ and PSP Capital OÜ, now features a wheelchair-accessible carousel, new swings, and an outdoor musical instrument called 'Kellamäng' (Chimes).

The first phase of the playground was completed in 2022 to improve outdoor play options for children with severe and profound disabilities. This initial stage included the installation of a wheelchair-accessible sandbox and a wheelchair swing, which can be accessed via a ramp.

The centerpiece of the second phase is the carousel, specifically designed for wheelchair users. These new additions provide children with limited mobility with more opportunities to play alongside others and take part in outdoor activities.

According to Marja-Liisa Veiser-Västrik, the Elder of the Mustamäe district, it is crucial that play and leisure opportunities are accessible to all children. "Every child must have the chance to play, explore, and experience joy with their peers. The wheelchair-accessible carousel and the other new features are a significant step toward enabling children with severe and profound disabilities to participate in outdoor activities as independently and equally as possible. I am delighted that these facilities are now available at the Tallinn Children's Home in Mustamäe," said Veiser-Västrik.

Meelis Kukk, director of the Tallinn Children's Home, stated that a playground is not merely a place to play, but also a space for discovery, experimentation, communication, and togetherness. "For this reason, I am particularly pleased that our playground is step by step becoming an environment where children with severe and profound disabilities can genuinely choose their activities and experience the joy of play with others. Each new piece of equipment—be it a swing, the carousel, or a musical instrument—creates this opportunity. It is especially vital that a child in a wheelchair no longer has to be a spectator but can actively participate. This is genuine inclusion. A huge thank you to Riser Ehitus and PSP Capital for making this important vision a reality. Your support gives our children more chances to play, explore, and just be kids," said Kukk.

"Once we completed the first phase of the playground, the wheelchair carousel was immediately our next goal. From the very beginning, we wanted to create something that would provide real, long-term benefits for the children. I am thrilled that we have now brought this idea to fruition," said Karmo Pärnoja, a board member of Riser Ehitus OÜ and PSP Capital OÜ.

The playground charity project was led and funded by Riser Ehitus and PSP Capital. The implementation of the second phase was carried out in collaboration with Invelo and MUUW/Inseneriteenused.