New play sites opened: future sites to be 'developed in full consultation with the local community' say ministers

Children’s Secretary Ed Balls and Children’s Minister Delyth Morgan have announced that more than 500 new or refurbished play areas across England have opened ahead of the Easter holidays.

For a list of new play spaces visit http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/play

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.

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.'

Further information
The National Play Strategy outlines the Government’s long term vision and actions to deliver safe, accessible and exciting play opportunities for all children, in response to huge demand from our Fair Play public consultation last summer. This can be found on http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/play

Play England is contracted by the Department for Children, Schools and Families to support, train and provide guidance to local authorities that have been allocated funding under the £235m play strategy for England. For more information on any Play England publications or work, contact 020 7843 6300 or visit http://www.playengland.org.uk