We are completing the first stage of a £1.5 million
scheme to develop and refurbish 22 play spaces across North
Somerset over a two-year period.
The Playbuilder funding from the Government's Department for
Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has already seen 11 sites
transformed across the district.
The programme is a national initiative that is supported by the
national body, Play England. The aim is to provide quality
environmentally friendly play spaces for eight to 13-year-olds in
areas where they naturally play and meet.
The play areas have been identified by working with the local
community.
Communities have been involved in the designing of the play
areas and consultation has included visits to schools, youth clubs,
parish and town council meetings and speaking to those in the park
areas.
Some of the play areas will also benefit from other externally
funded initiatives such as the Find Your Talent cultural programme
as well as section 106 allocated funds from developers.
Cllr Elfan Ap Rees, executive member with responsibility for
parks, said this was an exciting project that would provide
excellent quality play areas.
"We have worked hard with local communities to find locations
for play areas where there is a real need. Many of our traditional
play areas are aimed at a younger age group so these new facilities
will provide an excellent opportunity for young people to enjoy
purpose-built outdoor equipment."
The sites completed in stage one are:
• Banwell Recreation
Ground
• Byron Road Play Area
• Maltlands, Worle
• Pound Lane, Nailsea
• Trendlewood Way,
Nailsea
• Merlin Park, Portishead
• Weston Woods
• War Memorial Recreation
Ground, Winscombe
• Winnowing End, Sandford
• Brookside, Pill
• Wraxall.
