Have an adventure in Meriden Park
From Cabinet Member for Quality of Life and Neighbourhoods, Cllr Mrs Diana Holl-Allen on 10 September 2008
Over 1000 children have benefited from an innovative new adventure play area in Meriden Park this summer.
The play area which opened in July and is the first of its kind in the borough, encourages parents to leave their children under the supervision of the Council’s Play Rangers, so that they can play, meet other children, try new things and develop new skills on their own.
Funded by the Big Lottery and Solihull Council, the play area is for children aged 5-12 and aims to create a stimulating and challenging environment for them to explore and take risks without placing themselves in danger.
The play area features a 20 metre zip-wire, a 6.5 metre high climbing frame and a sandpit as well as movable equipment such as large tyres and games which children can move around to change the design of the play area.
Children can also take part in other activities such as face painting, organised games, mask making and playing with water.
And the Council is planning to add in more sandpits to the play area as well as gardens where children can grow vegetables and timber which the children will be able to use to help the Play Rangers to build more equipment.
Cabinet Member for Quality of Life and Neighbourhoods, Councillor Mrs Diana Holl-Allen said: “Children need opportunities to play freely and develop new skills on their own, to help them grow up to have the confidence to tackle challenges independently. This new play area allows children to do just that whilst giving parents the reassurance that they’re in a safe and supervised environment.”
Adults must register their children with the Play Rangers before they can use the play area.
To celebrate the opening of the park and its success over the summer, the Council will be holding an ‘End of Summer Event’ in October half term – look out for more details soon.
The park is only open when the Play Rangers are there and opening times will change depending on the season and school term times – please call 0121 704 8000 for more information.
For press and media enquiries only: Julie Turner 0121 704 8172
Email: juturner@solihull.gov.uk