Creativity, Imagination, and Freedom is the future for Suffolk's Play Areas

Added: 11/05/2008
Category: Suffolk County Council

Plans to change the way play areas in Suffolk are could look like in the future were unveiled today, with an information session hosted by Cllr Patricia O'Brien, portfolio holder for Children, Schools and Young People's Services, and Rosalind Turner, Director for Children, Schools and Young People's Services at Whitton Community School.

Suffolk County Council is putting Play at the heart of the community by working with partners to create play areas, which use natural materials and allow children the freedom to use the space provided in a creative way. Whitton Community School (pictured) has worked hard to provide good play opportunities for its children and the county council would like to develop more play areas along similar lines across Suffolk in the future.

Suffolk County Council has recently been successful in its bid for additional government funding to create new and improved play areas for children and young people throughout the county. The funding of more than £1million will be enough to either create new or refurbish existing play areas over the next three years. The money will be used across all seven district and borough councils, each of which has its own play strategy linked to the County Play Strategy.

Patricia O'Brien, Portfolio Holder for Children, Schools and Young People's Services said: "The new funding is fantastic news for Suffolk's children, young people and families. Play is an essential part of every child's learning and development and helps keeps them healthy. We want to develop a variety of outdoor play areas for children and young people near their homes, where they can play freely, confidently and safely. "

The county council will be talking to communities through local Play Partnerships to decide on the sort of play areas that will stimulate and excite children for many years to come. Play is not just about young children; it's about young adults and parents, so if you would like more information on Play, please visit www.suffolk.gov.uk/play to download the "Play Matters" play strategy from Suffolk County Council's web site.