Launch of new strategy to boost leisure for young people

6.04.16pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 23rd Jul 2007

An ambitious strategy to massively increase leisure and play opportunities for children and young people has been launched by Richmond Council.

The new Play Strategy, which includes a bid for nearly £300,000 of lottery funding, aims to increase recreation facilities in the borough, particularly for 8 to 15 year olds. It will focus on the five priority areas of Ham, Heathfield, Hampton Nursery Lands, Mortlake and Castelnau, and ensure that children with disabilities across the borough have access to free play opportunities year-round. Over the next three years a series of initiatives will build on recent work including the Council's playground improvement programme which invested £2m into upgrading 42 play areas across the borough. A £1m Youth Development Fund has also been established to improve provision for young people. The strategy has been announced following consultation with young people, parents and carers. They will continue to shape the play strategy, identifying the type of facilities they want to see and have a say in where money is spent. Providing the lottery funding bid is successful, Play Rangers will be employed in the borough's five priority areas to coordinate and champion leisure opportunities.

Cllr Martin Elengorn, Cabinet Member for Environment on Richmond Council, said:

"The Council believes that children and young people have a right to be seen, heard and provided for in our public spaces, to the same degree as adults. Giving young people the opportunity for free play, whether it is climbing trees, riding bikes, or simply being with their friends, is a vital part of growing up. They should be able to do this free from the fear of crime, in safe and stimulating environments. This new strategy aims to ensure all young people who live, visit or go to school in the borough have access to such facilities. It's vital we involve young people in the process and we will consider all suggestions such as new skate parks or adventure playgrounds. We will also be working with the police and other agencies, and the private sector to make this a reality."