A million-pound scheme to improve 13 playgrounds in Brighton and Hove is due to start this week.
A press release issued by Brighton and Hove City Council said: “Work is expected to start this week to improve 13 play areas around the city as part of the My Play Space project.
“In 2009, the Department of Children, Schools and Families awarded the council £1.1 million to improve a number of play spaces by March 2011.
“Brighton and Hove’s project is being delivered by different council departments including the Children and Young People’s Trust, which is responsible for implementing the council’s play strategy, and the Environment Directorate, which develops and maintains play areas across the city.
“The following 13 play areas are to benefit from the improvements and all, except for William Clarke Park, will need to be closed while work takes place:
- Blaker’s Park
- Carden Park
- Dyke Road
- Greenleas Recreation Ground
- Knoll Recreation Ground
- Mile Oak Recreation Ground
- Preston Park
- Queen’s Park
- Saunders Park
- St Nicholas
- Warrior Close (Chalk Pit)
- William Clarke Park
- Woollards Field (Maggie’s Corner)
“Closures will take place at various times between January and March.”
Councillor Vanessa Brown, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Children are helping to design their new play areas and we’re also giving parents, carers, community and volunteer groups the opportunity to get involved in how we develop the new play spaces.”
Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, cabinet member for environment, added: “The sites selected are all existing play spaces, some of which no longer have any play equipment. These sites will be expanded and refurbished to provide better facilities, especially for those between the ages of eight and 13 and those with disabilities.”
The press release continued: “Once complete, there will be opening events for all 13 improved areas.
“The other play areas earmarked for improvement are: Aldrington Recreation Ground; Barn Rise; Bexhill Road; East Brighton Park; Easthill Park; Coldean; Happy Valley; Hodshrove Wood; Mackie Avenue; Saltdean Oval; St Ann’s Well Gardens; Stoneham Recreation Ground; Swanborough Drive; Tarnerland; Whitehawk Play Areas.
“Look out for information at the play areas or visit the website where you can also find details of your nearest play area when your local one is closed.”
