A new approach to children’s play is being showcased at Priory Park, St Neots on 29 May 2008, 11.00am - 3.00pm and all are invited to attend.
The special event, which features the chance for youngsters to create a model of their ideal play area is part of a county-wide project to develop a handful of ‘play landscapes’ which highlight the benefits of using natural features and materials for children’s play.
Cambridgeshire Play Landscapes, a partnership of charities, local authorities and others, is promoting innovative approaches to the design of play areas in a range of locations. These can feature a combination of natural and more conventional play equipment in attractive, safe and comfortable settings. Natural play spaces offer children areas in which they can play freely or be involved in activities led by a play worker or parent. Activities include climbing on tree trunks or boulders, playing with water or sand, rolling down hills, connecting with nature, talking in quiet areas, riding a bike over bumps, building a den and so on.
Communities will be encouraged by Huntingdonshire District Council to get involved in the design and development of their play landscape, and in some cases this might extend to physical input to its construction and maintenance. There will also be opportunities to get involved as volunteers in organised play activities.
Other on site support could include a play worker after school, at weekends and in holidays as well as special play events themed around sport, nature, creativity and so on, all designed to help youngsters get the most from their play landscape.
Councillor Colin Hyams Executive Councillor for Operations and Countryside Services at the District Council said, “This is a great opportunity for the youngsters of St Neots and we would like to hear the views of as many people as possible. Make sure you come long to the consultation day and give your input into the design and development of your play landscape.”
“This is all about promoting more opportunities and better quality play for the county’s youngsters” said Kirsten Bennett, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire ACRE, the charity leading the project. “We want to create examples of what can be achieved with limited resources so that organisations such as parish councils, developers and others can see for themselves that play areas can be stimulating and distinctive.”
Priory Park has been selected as one of these potential play landscapes and the partnership involved wants to get comments and ideas from local people to help build a case for funding from the Big Lottery and other sources.
The project is seeking funding from the Big Lottery ‘Playful Ideas’ programme which is all about promoting innovation in play.
For more information on the Priory Park event please contact 01480 388388.
Click on the link on the right to know about all the facilities available at each of the Children play Area in the District.