Thirty new or improved playgrounds are to be provided over the next two years in parts of the North East where they are scarcest and where income deprivation affecting children is worst.
Ten of the region’s 12 councils will receive £270.000 each from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to make the provision as part of its “pride in place” programme. Only Newcastle and Gateshead will miss out.
The ten eligible councils are among 66 throughout England sharing a total of £18mn.
Each council will be expected by the MHCLG to create, improve or enhance three playgrounds that are inclusive and free to access for children, families and caregivers, and the wider community.
Community engagement
They will have to undertake proportionate, meaningful engagement with children, young people, families and caregivers, local residents and relevant local stakeholders throughout site selection, design and delivery and participate in monitoring and evaluation to help assess whether the fund has improved access to high-quality, accessible and inclusive playgrounds, and contributed to wider outcomes in the local area, said the ministry.
Nesil Caliskan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Devolution, Faith and Communities, said: “Play is fundamental to childhood. It supports children’s physical health, confidence and social development, and it helps build friendships, resilience and a sense of belonging. Playgrounds also bring wider benefits for families and communities, creating places to meet, spend time outdoors, and feel connected to the neighbourhoods we call home…
“While many areas have strong play provision, this is not yet consistent everywhere. This programme enables local authorities to work with their communities to strengthen and enhance existing spaces, addressing gaps where they exist. We want every child, whatever their background and wherever they live, to have access to high quality, welcoming places to play…
Pride in place
“Well-designed playgrounds contribute to pride in place by improving the look and feel of neighbourhoods, strengthening community cohesion and creating welcoming public spaces that reflect local identity. By focusing on places most in need, and by backing local leadership and local knowledge, we are helping communities shape playgrounds that work for children, families and local residents.”
Ten specific places in the North East have been identified to receive funding: Consett, Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Wallsend, Ashington, Eston, Jarrow, Thornaby and Sunderland.
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