This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
Children and young people in Newport and East Cowes are benefiting from two new playgrounds.
Following a £90,000 investment from the IW Council funded through the national Playbuilder scheme, an expanded and refurbished playground at Seaclose Park in Newport featuring modern equipment has been installed.
The playground has been designed to blend in with the natural surroundings and features equipment including climbing rocks and logs, a basked swing, zip wire, balance and activity games and interactive game panels as well as a range of other items.
The play area will be officially opened later in the summer, although parents and children can use the playground now.
New playground for East Cowes Esplanade
Meanwhile a new modern playground has also recently been completed on East Cowes Esplanade and is already being enjoyed by local children and young people.
The £120,000 scheme was primarily funded through Playbuilder and Small Rural Towns Initiative funding but also received contributions from East Cowes Town Council.
Equipment includes climbing units and net, a ‘supernova’ roundabout, bird nest swing and a zip wire for the older young people. Young children can enjoy an activity trail, steam train and carriage, see-saw, swings and balance items to encourage interaction.
Official opening later on summer
The playground has been based on a nautical theme, with a log pirate ship also forming part of the equipment. Similar to Seaclose, it too will be officially opened later this summer.
IW Council cabinet member responsible for the economy George Brown said “It is very pleasing the council and its partners have been able to open these excellent new play facilities,
“Play is very important during a young person’s development and it is very satisfying to see these two excellent new facilities already being very well used.”
Dawn Cousins is IW Council cabinet member responsible for children’s services, and is also local ward member for Seaclose Park. She said “Thanks to the hard work of our officers in securing funding, we now have these wonderful new facilities.
“Parents have already spoken of how much their children are enjoying the playgrounds and that makes all the hard work very worthwhile.”
