500 new play areas open for Easter

Thursday 9 April 2009

On 30 March, Play England staff joined Children's Secretary, Ed Balls and children's minister Delyth Morgan at the launch of one of over 500 new or refurbished play areas.

The play sites are part of the £235m play investment announced in the government's Children's Plan and will be open in time for children across England to enjoy over the Easter holidays.

Balls said: "Fun and exciting opportunities to play are at the heart of a happy, healthy and enjoyable childhood. Better outdoor play opportunities are good for children, good for families and good for communities."

Adrian Voce, director of Play England, said: "Play is a child's right, fundamental to a good childhood and essential for health and wellbeing. These new play areas will provide exciting opportunities for children in the neighbourhoods where they are most needed. Local authorities have worked hard to deliver this unprecedented investment."

Play England is contracted by the Department for Children, Schools and Families to support and provide guidance to local authorities who have been allocated funding under the £235m play strategy.

For a list of new play spaces, visit the Department for Children, Schools and Families website (Play).