Children and young people in Aberdeen with sensory disorders now have a safe and welcoming space to play after Camphill School Aberdeen (CSA) opened the city’s first free, publicly available outdoor sensory adventure and learning playpark on Monday, June 15, 2026.
The charity, which provides day and residential care to children and young adults with learning disabilities and complex additional support needs (ASN), has developed the park in response to a survey from parents, which found that the vast majority of the region's current playparks were unsuitable for their ASN children.
The new playpark located at CSA’s Camphill Estate in Milltimber, has been delivered as part of a multi-million-pound fundraising campaign to expand its facilities. It will initially be open to a number of charities and support groups, with a public booking platform being trialled later this year.
Designed around three key zones, sensory and creative play, communication and team building, and adventure and confidence, the park features a range of specialist equipment and landscaping to activate multiple senses, including touch, sound, smell, balance and movement, helping children develop motor skills, spatial awareness, communication skills and self-confidence while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of outdoor play.
Colum Pooler, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Camphill School Aberdeen, said: "Every child deserves the opportunity to play, explore and connect with others, yet for many young people with sensory disorders, accessing traditional play spaces can be difficult. This sensory playpark has been created to remove those barriers and provide a welcoming environment where children and young people can build confidence, develop new skills and simply enjoy being children.
"The project has been shaped by the young people who will use it, ensuring it meets their needs and provides meaningful opportunities for sensory learning, adventure and social interaction. We hope it will become a valued resource for families across Aberdeen and the surrounding area, helping more children and young people experience the joy and benefits of inclusive outdoor play."
Designed in collaboration with the young people at Camphill, the playpark has been created to support sensory exploration, outdoor learning and emotional wellbeing in a natural environment.
Officially named Rainbow Park – Sensory Discovery Playpark at Camphill School Aberdeen, the facility was named by the young people supported by the charity.
It was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Summer, one of the young people who lives on Camphill Estate, who was joined by the Lord Provost, Colum Pooler, CEO at Camphill School Aberdeen, and Alex Busch, Chief Development Officer at Camphill Estates.
For many families of children with sensory disorders, accessing traditional public playparks can be challenging. A survey of Camphill School Aberdeen parents found that 78% avoid public parks due to concerns around sensory overload, challenging behaviours and judgement from others.
The new playpark aims to remove these barriers by providing a purpose-built environment that reduces sensory stress while encouraging exploration, creativity and confidence. Endorsed by the National Autistic Society, the facility is the first of its kind in Aberdeen.
Sensory play is recognised as an important part of childhood development, supporting learning, emotional regulation and wellbeing. By creating an inclusive space tailored to the needs of children and young people with sensory disorders, Camphill School Aberdeen hopes to ensure more families can enjoy the benefits of outdoor play in a supportive and understanding environment.
The project was made possible through the generous support of The Suttie Foundation, whose contribution helped complete the fundraising required to bring the playpark to life. Additional funding was provided by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, alongside support from WM Donald and local fundraising efforts, including Camphill’s Back to School Quiz 2025. The charity would also like to thank the many individuals, organisations and community supporters whose contributions helped make the project a reality.
The sensory playpark is the latest development to be delivered through Camphill School Aberdeen's multi-million-pound capital appeal campaign, Building Futures, Transforming Lives. Alongside the playpark, the campaign saw the construction and opening of Linden House, an 11-bedroom residential home for young people with additional support needs, and Murtle Market, the charity's social enterprise, shop and café.
Together, these developments have created new opportunities for learning, independence, inclusion and community engagement for the children and young people supported by the charity.