New Play Areas
There were celebrations at Lea View Estate for the official opening of a new play area – one of 12 across the borough which the Council has given a dramatic makeover.
A £2.5million fund from the Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), helped renovate the public spaces as part of the first year of the Play Pathfinder project.
The scheme aims to reintroduce risk and natural elements to play, incorporating fallen trees, boulders and sand pits, as well as using changes in surface levels where possible. Each design is specific to the chosen site.
The locations were decided with help from experts after a public consultation, and were also based on the level of need in the area.
Helen Williams, Secretary of Lea View House Tenants and Residents Association, said: “The children and adults here really love the new playground, which has helped to improve the look and feel of the estate.
“We’re so pleased to have been involved in the project right from the start, especially the children, who have been able to have their say about what they wanted at the design stage and help with the planting.”
Mark Edwards, secretary of Alden and Broadway TRA, added: “A lot of people that would have walked past before are now using the space. It’s very tranquil and relaxing. It’s a park now instead of a dreary open space.”
The Play Pathfinders project is managed by The Learning Trust, which is responsible for delivering education services in Hackney. The funding will eventually provide 28 brand new or improved play areas.
Cllr Rita Krishna, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:
“Playing is a way for children to explore and learn about the world, as well as the more obvious benefit of exercise.
“We look forward to the continued involvement of local people in planning the Phase Two play areas.”
More information
To learn more about the project email: matt.davies@learningtrust.co.uk
The 12 locations to get a new or improved play area are:
Melbourne Gardens
A large green courtyard in the Clapton Park Estate has been improved with net swing, better climbing area and wobble dishes. New landscaping, softening of play spaces and planting were included.
Butterfield Green Stream
| The stream is back, bubbling away, with a new bridge across it, and a water pump for children to enjoy playing in water. |  |
Jackman Street
The park behind Broadway Market has reopened with new landscaped features, climbable trees, sand and bark pits and a tyre swing in expanded play area.
Fortune Close Square, Nye Bevan Estate
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New play structures with platforms and bridges, mounds and climbing logs have been added to the older play equipment, which has also been refurbished. At the centre is a new seating area for families to sit and enjoy the space. |
Trowbridge Village Green
A new play structure rises up above the pathway creating a bridge with seating and climbable structures inside. The old play area has been opened up and added to, with adventurous tunnels. Mounds and logs also create a new play space that is about challenge and adventure.
Lea View House
| In the inner courtyard of Lea View Estate is a new play area with natural play equipment – a wood slide, shelter space, a trampoline, a pingpong table, and logs and rocks for climbing and drawing on. |  |
Portelet Court, de Beauvoir Estate
The sunken grass courtyard has been transformed into natural play space with a large climbable structure, slide-off mounds, a wobble dish, balance beams, and large net swing.
Buxton Court/Windsor Court play area
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This small neighbourhood play space has a refurbished aeroplane-shaped climbing frame, grassed area with sand, and benches for families and children to rest and play. |
Cranston play area
The old play area in the middle of Cranston Park Estate has had a makeover, with new exciting timber structures built around the old equipment. Also there's a ping-pong table under a sheltered structure, ball games and a water pump for children to play with water.
Tullis Court, Frampton Park Estate
| A new garden in the courtyard at the heart of Frampton Park Estate has a sand pit and boulders, climbing trees and a net swing, plus a play garden for all the family. |  |
Sandford Court
This small estate play area only had a picnic table. It’s now been made more exciting with a net swing and seating area for families and children to enjoy the space.
Clapton Square Park play area
The play area in Clapton Park square has been extended with new play equipment, sculptures, water features, mounds and exciting play opportunities for children of different ages.
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
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