Generations of local residents came together to celebrate the opening of a brand new adventure playground at Islington's Waterside Play and Youth Project on Packington Square.
The old play area was demolished three years ago as part of the redevelopment of the Packington Estate by the Hyde Group. Local children using Waterside now have a brand new outside space to use, where they can clamber over boulders around a water feature, or spend time in the large sand pit.
An exciting climbing structure formed on different levels will also be completed by the end of year. Felled and sandblasted trees have been used to create aerial runways and bridges, contrasting with a series of underground tunnels and dens, which young people helped to build.
A family fun day held on Saturday 24 July, marked the occasion, with a barbecue, steel band and face painting. Awards were also presented to young people who, through Islington Council's Positive Activities Service, have recently completed health and safety and cycling proficiency courses.
Mayor of Islington, Councillor Mouna Hamitouche and Islington Council's executive member for children and young people, Cllr Richard Watts officially opened the new playground.
Cllr Hamitouche helped to plant a pear tree donated by the elderly residents of nearby Isledon House. Young people from Waterside have been visiting the residents, learning new games together and comparing their experiences of play.
Cllr Watts said:
"Waterside is a brilliant facility that makes a real difference to the children and young people living in this area - most of whom won't have any outside space at home to spend time in."
Waterside Play and Youth Project offers services all year round, giving children and young people a place to meet, socialise, learn, run activities and most importantly, have fun.
Senior Youth Worker at the Waterside Play and Youth Project, Dawn Jarrett, said:
"It's really wonderful to have this exciting adventure playground, which has been created with natural materials and it was fantastic working with the children and designers on the project. The result is that we have a playground that the children can really take ownership of and be proud of."
The new playground was financed by Islington's Government-funded Playbuilder scheme and the Hyde Group.
Bernice Ramchandani, head of project delivery at the Hyde Group, said:
"I am delighted to see this new, fantastic playground, which marks the successful completion of Phase 1 of the redevelopment of Packington Square. It is a fitting complement to the new youth centre that Hyde built and handed over to Waterside Play and Youth Project last Christmas. Everyone who has been involved in the design and delivery of this innovative playground, should be extremely proud of what they have achieved."
ENDS
Page Last Updated: 30 July 2010