DCSF announce 500 new play spaces now open
Children’s Secretary Ed Balls and Children’s Minister Delyth Morgan will today announce that over 500 new or refurbished play areas across England have opened ahead of the Easter holidays.
The 500 play sites, part of the first roll out of the £235m play investment announced in the flagship Children’s Plan, will be open for children and young people in 63 local authorities.
By 2011 the Government’s investment will have created 3,500 new or renewed play areas for children in the areas of greatest need and 30 adventure playgrounds across the country as part of the commitment announced in the first ever national play strategy.
The DCSF has written to all Local Authorities to ensure they are consulting with local children, young people and parents in designing the new playgrounds and where they want to see them built. As with the first wave, final plans for next wave of playgrounds will only be signed off when Ministers are content that the play sites have been developed in full consultation with the local community.
Children’s Secretary Ed Balls said:
“I am delighted to announce the opening of the 500 areas. Fun and exciting opportunities to play are at the heart of a happy, healthy and enjoyable childhood. Better outdoor play opportunities are good for children, good for families and good for communities. It can be hard for parents to find activities that their children want to do during the holidays, especially activities that keep them active and outdoors. This is something that is particularly difficult when families are worried about their finances.
“We’ve spent a lot of time talking to children and young people to get their views which we’ve used to build these sites and I want to ensure that the views of children, young people, parents and the wider community are fully taken on board when new sites are being developed. They provide a free and fun site for children of all abilities to get outside and run around in a safe environment. I just wish I’d had play sites like these when I was younger.”
In 2008, the DCSF received the views of over 9,000 children, young people and parents on what they would most like from their local play sites.
Children’s Minister Delyth Morgan said:
“Providing local places that are inclusive, fun and adventurous will encourage children and young people of all ages to get outside and enjoy being physically active. Outdoor play has countless benefits to children and we know that it is key to a happy and enjoyable childhood.
“As a result of the 500 new areas, thousands of children will play their way through their Easter holidays, and with over 3,000 sites still to come, children everywhere will have access to these opportunities.
“Well done to the local authorities for delivering these sites on time and I look forward to even more exciting sites over the next two years.”
Adrian Voce, Director of Play England, said:
“Play is a children’s right, fundamental to a good childhood and essential for their health and well-being. These new play areas, based on the design principles that put play value first, will provide exciting opportunities for children across the country, in the neighbourhoods where they are most needed. Local authorities have worked hard to deliver this unprecedented investment.”
For a list of new play spaces visit http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/play
Source: DCSF website
