Traditional games, penalty shoot-outs, face painting and farm yard animals were all part of the fun for over 1,000 local children and families who took part in Islington’s free Play Day.
The event, held on 5 August in Highbury Fields, was organised by Islington Council in partnership with Islington Play Association as part of National Play Day. Alongside the den building, games, sports and arts and crafts, Islington’s adventure playgrounds and Playrangers were also on hand to create some fun, with activities like tug of war and a giant parachute.
Islington Council’s Executive Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Paula Belford, joined in the fun. She said:
"Islington Play Day was a fantastic opportunity for families to get out and about during the summer holidays, spending time together in the outdoors. There was so much for children to choose from and the families I saw were clearly having a great time, trying out all the free activities.
"Children having access to good quality, safe, play is really important and Islington Council are spending over £1 million on developing play spaces across the borough over three years. Events like Play Day give us a good idea of the type of variety children enjoy in play spaces."
A natural play area was set up by London Play, which included a slide made from wood, a sand pit and climbing frame created from a tree trunk. On the other side of the field, children set to work building and painting a 'cardboard city'.
Child minder Ann Conroy came along to the event with three children. She said:
"The kids are having a great time. They were really excited about having their faces painted and they've made their own necklaces too.
"Outside play like this is fantastic and they love being outdoors getting plenty of exercise."
ENDS
Page Last Updated: 11 August 2009