Anyone who lives in the borough of Richmond will know that it is a great place for children to grow up. While many city-dwelling parents complain that there is nowhere outdoors for their children to play, our borough boasts some of the finest parks and open spaces in London. And these are set to become even more child-friendly thanks to a £1 million grant to be spent on local playgrounds.
The funding comes from the Department for Children, Schools and Families and will be spent on improving existing playgrounds as well as creating new ones.
11 potential sites have been earmarked so far, but Richmond Council will be talking to locals to find out what they would most like to see done.
The new play spaces will shun the ugly plastic designs used on so many playgrounds in the past, opting instead for natural materials such as wood, water and sand. This will also make them more environmentally friendly.
Councillor Liz Jaeger, Cabinet Member for Youth, Culture and Leisure, said: “Making sure our children and young people have top class facilities to exercise and enjoy themselves in, is something we are dedicated to providing. I’m very pleased we’re able to start this work.
“The new and enhanced play areas will be fully accessible, offering something to families and children of all ages. In the coming months we will be speaking to local people about what they would like to see in the areas near them. I hope as many people as possible give us their views as this will enable us to make the best use of the money.”
Work will begin on the new play areas this autumn and should be completed by autumn next year.
