It's Child's Play

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New play equipment for local parks

Hammersmith and Fulham Council have announced plans to install new play equipment in 22 of the borough's parks and open spaces.

They say the aim of the £1m project is to create play areas that give 8-13-year-olds an opportunity to use their imagination and get creative.

It is envisaged that each play area will embrace natural features such as grassy mounds to climb up and roll down, fallen trees to balance on, sand, and climbing boulders to give children more opportunities to play freely and creatively.

Local parks that are earmarked to receive a slice of the funding are: Old Oak Common, Wormholt Park, Hammersmith Park, Wendell Park, Edward Woods Estate, Shepherd's Bush Green and Cathnor Park.

The Council say they are consulting local children and their parents on exactly what they would like to see in the parks. Youngsters have already come up with some creative ideas when a special roadshow visited Furnivall Gardens in Hammersmith recently.

The annual Play Day, taking place in Ravenscourt Park on Wednesday August 5, will also have a special consultation area where children's ideas will inform the new design plans. Children and their families can join an arts and crafts workshop and assist in the construction of a giant model of a fantasy park.

Cllr Paul Bristow, cabinet member for residents’ services, said: "Fun and exciting opportunities to play are at the heart of a happy, healthy and enjoyable childhood. We are looking forward to hearing what young people would like to see as we work to make our beautiful parks and open spaces truly magical places for youngsters."

22 June 2009