What began as a simple love for swinging has grown into a powerful movement for inclusion, with seven-year-old Lily at its heart.

Lily, who lives with cerebral palsy, has inspired the installation of a wheelchair-friendly swing at George Hay Park in Parkview, creating a space where she can finally enjoy the movement she adores alongside other children.

The initiative, known as The Palesa Project, takes its name from Lily’s Sesotho name, meaning ‘flower’, a fitting reflection of both her spirit and the vision behind the project. For children such as Lily, access to everyday play can often be limited, yet the sensation of swinging offers something deeply meaningful, a rare sense of freedom, rhythm and joy.

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The first Palesa Swing, now installed in Lily’s favourite park, was made possible through the determination of disability and support specialist Erin Davis, who has spent years working with children with cerebral palsy. Seeing the barriers many of these children face in public play spaces pushed her to act.

“So it started with Lily and the lack of resources we have in Johannesburg,” Davis said. “Every child deserves to play and learn. People are amazed by the wheelchair swing, but I feel like it should be the norm.”

From securing approvals with City Parks to coordinating with the Parkview Residents Association and sourcing manufacturers, the journey took months of planning and collaboration. Lily’s family donated the first swing, helping turn a long-held vision into reality.

For Lily’s mother, Robyn, the moment represents far more than a new piece of playground equipment.

“Children learn so much through play,” she said. “Giving access to children like Lily to play in a way they can engage with is really important. We are just so grateful and hopeful this continues in more parks.”

That hope is already taking shape. With support from Lombard Insurance Company, the Palesa Project has secured funding for eight additional swings to be installed across Johannesburg, extending access to parks, schools and public spaces.

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Philanie Jooste, chairperson of the association, said the project’s success was the result of collaboration and persistence.

“The community response has been incredible,” he said. “It shows what can happen when people come together to make spaces more inclusive for all children.”

For Davis, the project is about more than infrastructure. It is about changing perceptions of who belongs in public play spaces and ensuring children with disabilities are not left at the edges of them.

Lily, meanwhile, has her own simple verdict. Twice a week, she returns to the park, where she experiences what she describes in her own words as ‘fun, happy’ moments filled with movement and joy.

As the first swing sets the tone for more to come, the Palesa Project is quietly reshaping playgrounds into places where every child, regardless of ability, can feel the wind, the rhythm and the simple happiness of play.

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