Sixty-five local authorities have been invited to bid for their share of the Government’s ?225m play investment programme.
The plan aims to facilitate the development of 3,500 play areas by 2011.
Fifteen of the initial 65 invited to bid will become ‘play pathefinders’ and receive ?2million to implement their plans from April 2008.
The plan encourages community cohesion and bids to create the sustainable, innovative outdoor play areas must show how they will incorprate the ideas of local childrens and parents.
The playgrounds will be staffed and aim to provide safe play opportunities for 8 -13 year olds.
Any of the unsuccessful authorities with satisfactory bids, may still receive up to ?1million to develop existing public play areas.
A second round of bidding will take place in the autumn of this year and will be open to all authorities. A further 15 play pathfinders will be allocated here, so that by 2011, there will be 30 entirely new adventure playgrounds nationwide.
Ed Balls, the Secretary for?Children, Schools and Families said: “Children need places which allow them to meet their friends and have fun – being able to burn off their energy in unstructured play is an important part of maintaining a healthy weight and life.
” As parents we all know that hacving the time, space and opportunity to play freely and safely is one of the defining characteristics of a good childhood.
“That is why we’re making such a big commitment to invest in outdoor play facilities for children.”
