23 October 2006
Wealden District Council gets serious…about play
Play time is the best time in a child’s day…but in today’s world of competing pressures, do we offer enough opportunities for Wealden children to go out to play and get to meet other children?
Through a £237,000 award from the Big Lottery Children’s Play Initiative, Wealden District Council is looking to hear from groups with projects and plans that will make a real difference to the play facilities for children aged between 0 and 16 years in the district.
“This is a great opportunity to get some big projects off the ground,” said Councillor Mrs Margaret Kirkpatrick, Cabinet Member for Housing & Community Development. “We want to hear from groups who already have plans or are developing projects that may need at least £50,000 of funding. Schemes will need to address areas most in need, be accessible and meet the needs of local children, families and the community.
Councillor Mrs Pam Doodes, Cabinet member for Public Health and Community Development adds “We hear too much talk today of children staying indoors and not getting enough exercise. A great deal can be made of Wealden’s natural environment to provide safe but adventurous opportunities for children to play and learn social skills.”
By making use of trees, landscaped tunnels, rocks and water; areas of open space can be created to be enjoyed by the whole community. Alternatively organisations may have other ideas such as a ‘Play Ranger’ to provide guidance and encouragement to children and young people to make more use of existing facilities and open space near their homes.
To secure the £237,000 worth of funding, the Council would like to hear from Groups with proposals by November 10. A steering group will select a number of schemes which will make up the Wealden bid, to be submitted in March next year.
For more information and a Project Proposal form please contact Helen Markwick at Wealden District Council, on 01892 602756 or email helen.markwick@wealden.gov.uk
