Playgrounds across the borough are being renovated and kitted out with new equipment, to ensure a fun-filled summer ahead.
Ealing Council is investing almost £2million across 22 playgrounds so that children can enjoy spending more time outdoors and stay active too.
Families are already benefiting from the improvements at a number of sites since the programme started, such as new equipment and child-friendly surfacing.
The latest playground to receive a makeover is Midland Terrace in North Acton.
Help from the experts
And, who better to ask for ideas on what their ideal playground should look like than children and their grown-ups?
The council’s parks and design teams held drop-in sessions, along with the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), to get residents’ views on which ideas they liked, and the equipment they would like to see there. The result was a vibrant, new play area.
Train and trampoline
The transformation has seen additions such as a wooden play train for toddlers to ride on, a new see-saw and trampoline that can be used by children of all abilities, and a slide and climbing frame for older children.
There is even a picnic table and benches for anyone that wants to enjoy a spot of al-fresco snacking.
Birds and bugs
The playground is also now home to 2 bird boxes and a bug hotel, thanks to donations from residents. This should attract more wildlife and encourage young people to learn about nature.
A community mural is being created for the site later this year, with input from the people that live nearby and use the playground.
‘Make friends, have fun’
So far, playground improvement works have been completed at 11 of the 22 sites. An additional 11 playgrounds are due to be revamped later this year.
Councillor Blerina Hashani, the council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, said: “Play is a fundamental part of childhood.
“Playgrounds are somewhere for children to make friends in their neighbourhood, have fun and explore nature. That’s why we’ve invested £2million to revamp 22 playgrounds so that they’re inclusive and engaging spaces.”
Photo by: Zute Photgraphy
