New play areas set for parks

Monday June 22, 2009

Exciting plans to install brand new play areas in 22 parks and open spaces across the borough have been announced.

H&F Council has earmarked over £1m to spend on natural and adventurous play equipment and is now keen to find out what young people would like to see in their favourite park.

The aim of this project is to create play areas that allow children, aged predominantly from eight to 13, to use their imagination and get creative.

Each play area will embrace natural features such as grassy mounds, fallen trees, sand and climbing boulders to give children more opportunities to play freely and creatively.

Ideas up for consideration include hills to climb up and roll down, interesting pathways to follow and fallen trees to balance on.

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."

The council is consulting with 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 recently.

And 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 Bristow added: "It is vital that we hear what young people have to say. These are your play areas so let us know what you want."

Parks and open spaces earmarked for funding are:
 
Old Oak Common                          Wormhold Park
Hammersmith Park                        Wendell Park
Edwards Woods                            Shepherds Bush Common
Cathnor Park                                 Ravenscourt Park (southern end)
Ravenscourt Park (northern end)      Brook Green
Marcus Garvey Park                       Gwendwr Gardens
Upper Mall                                     Margravine Gardens
Rowberry Mead                              Lillie Road Rec
Fulham Court                                 Eel Brook Common
William Parnell                               Bishops Park
Hurlingham Park                             South Park