Young Ra’naa Khan was the first to try the new wheelchair-accessible swing for the disabled in Rondebosch’s central Keurboom Park!
Cape Town, South Africa (04 December 2025) – It all started three years ago. Geila Wills from Kirstenbosch Lions and Wendy Goddard from the Rotary Club of Newlands began collaborations for the Southern Suburbs’ first fully inclusive, accessible public playground.
It took years of research, planning and consulting to bring it to fruition.
“After many, many conversations, site visits, and hours of research, we formulated our concept document. Everyone we spoke to was so excited, and were so willing to chat about ideas and offer advice,” shares Wendy.
Helping hands were involved in fleshing out concepts and ensuring that needs and standards would be adequately met.
The project enlisted help from Anthony Ghillino, General Manager of the QuadPara Association of the Western Cape, Jeremy Opperman of the Rotary International Diversity, Equity and Inclusion group, Shona MacDonald, founder of Shonaquip, and Rosemary Luger, occupational therapist at The Chaeli Campaign.
In collaboration with the City of Cape Town, Keurboom Park was chosen as the pilot playground. The park already boasts a wheelchair-accessible path and hosts an active community of park-goers.
The Rotary Club of Newlands generously funded the first piece of equipment, which now stands as the first of several wheelchair-accessible upgrades planned for the park.
The new swing was designed by Kenneth Rhode of Rhode Bros. He’s a legend who has built many playgrounds in the Mother City over decades, including Green Point’s award-winning outdoor exercise equipment in 2010. Retired now, Kenneth kindly offered his assistance in making it happen.
The launch of the wheelchair-accessible swing took place on Thursday last week!
Ra’naa Khan was the first young person who got to enjoy the new swing.
Seeing her laugh and smile was a highlight for all who attended the launch and a reminder of the good that can come when people join forces to make a difference, especially when that difference impacts the lives of those who are often left out due to their disabilities.
“We were overcome with emotion watching her smile, laugh, and enjoy something so simple yet so meaningful. For many families like ours, playgrounds are not always inclusive, and moments like these, where our children are welcomed, seen, and included, are truly life-changing,” shares Ra’naa’s mom, Farzaana.
“We hope that this swing serves as an example of what can be done, and that it will encourage corporates and individuals to contribute – not only to Keurboom Park, but towards other playgrounds becoming more inclusive.” shares Wendy.
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