April news

Portsmouth finds the path to excellence in play

Major improvements will be made to play areas in Portsmouth following the announcement today that the city is one of 20 local authorities who have been successful in a bid to obtain play Pathfinder status.

The Pathfinder status will bring £2m of government funding to promote play in the city.

One new large open access adventure playground or play park and further 28 play areas in parks and open spaces in the city will now be developed or improved.

The play areas, that will be free to use, will be particularly for 8 to 13 year-olds and young people will be involved in the design of the areas.

Lynda Fisher, Strategic Director for Children, Families and Learning at Portsmouth City Council, said: "This is excellent news and this Pathfinder status will allow us to provide innovative, imaginative and enchanting play spaces in the city. We will be able to expand the range of possibilities and play experiences available to young people.

"It's crucial that we provide adventure and challenge for children that will let them problem solve and risk assess, enhancing their skills for adulthood. Improving play areas throughout the city will allow us to do just that."

The government announcement forms part of a package of measures to support children and families play safely.

Nationally some £225m will be allocated over the next three years to build or upgrade more than 3,500 playgrounds and set up 30 new supervised adventure playgrounds, designed for the 8-13 age group, in disadvantaged areas.

Date : 03 April 2008