Money to Play With
The Learning Trust will spend over £2.5 million over the next three years to create 26 new or upgraded play areas across the borough. We would like to hear the views of residents, young people and community organizations about where new play areas could be created or how existing ones can be improved. To give us your ideas please complete the New Play Areas for Hackney Survey.
The package also includes cash to build a large, supervised, adventure playground. Hackney is one of only 20 local authorities nationwide to secure a slice of a £225 million Government investment programme.
Cllr Rita Krishna, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding.
“It is important we get involvement from local people as we work in partnership with the Learning Trust to provide our young people with exciting play facilities where they can learn in a safe environment.”
Hackney has been awarded £2.7 million, over two years, by the Department of Schools, Children and Families (DCSF) to implement the Play Pathfinder scheme. It allows £20,000 to £50,000 to be spent on developing each play area and will be administered by The Learning Trust.
Its Chief Executive, Alan Wood, said: “We want Pathfinder playgrounds to serve the diversity of Hackney communities with exciting, innovative equipment such as sand, water and natural areas for children to relax. You may know of a public space used by all ages which would benefit from adding something for young people to enjoy the space more.
“We’d like local children and communities to get involved in the design and, in some cases, construction of their playgrounds.”
Announcing the launch of the programme earlier this year, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls, said:
“We know from parents and young people that these facilities are something they want and will use. Having the time, space and opportunity to play freely and safely is one of the defining characteristics of a good childhood. Children need places which allow them to meet their friends and have fun – being able to burn off energy in unstructured play is an important part of maintaining a healthy life.
“That is why we’re making such a big commitment to invest in outdoor play.
More information
Residents and local organisations can submit ideas for play areas by completing the New Play Areas for Hackney Survey; or write to Daniel Fitzpatrick, The Learning Trust, 1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ, by 25 July.
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
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