Croydon Council receives £1 million boost for children's playtime » Local Government » 24dash.com

Children’s play in the borough is to receive a boost of £1 million from central government over the next three years to help improve facilities.

Croydon has been designated a ‘playbuilder’ authority which means the council will receive the extra funding as capital investment for play areas.

This follows the recent refurbishment of nine playgrounds across the borough and the £884,076 awarded by the Big Lottery Fund through their Children’s Play Programme.

In order to secure the funding, the council had to convince the government it would work with different partners to engage the local community in any new developments.

It is estimated that the money will be enough to develop around 20 public play areas and as part of the programme, community and voluntary projects will be encouraged to deliver and run local play projects.

Croydon Council’s cabinet member for culture and sport, Councillor Steve Hollands, said: “This is great news for the borough. We are already investing heavily in children’s play areas and this additional funding will enable us to enhance provision even further.

"We want to create some new and exciting spaces that really stimulate and challenge and get children out of the house.

“Good facilities that allow children to play independently and safely are essential but playing outside also brings health benefits and enables children to let off steam and mix with their peers.”

In addition to the funding, Croydon will be given the opportunity to bid for more money in the autumn to develop an adventure playground.