A newly refurbished play area in Phipps Bridge was unveiled to excited pupils from Benedict Primary School on Wednesday 31 October.
The children who were involved in voting for the design of the area waited in anticipation to be the first to play on the brand new equipment.
Called the Rock Terrace Play Area, it was built by Surrey-based SMP Playgroup to provide a much-needed outdoor space where children can enjoy playing in an open but safe play area.
Mayor of Merton, Councillor John Dehaney said: ‘I am delighted to be here opening the play area and seeing the children enjoying all that it has to offer. Our Annual Residents’ Survey shows that 10% of people in Merton feel there could be more in the way of recreational facilities. There are different age groups to serve in this respect, but in opening the Rock Terrace, the council is taking steps to address this concern.’
Cabinet Member for Environment and Traffic Management, Councillor Tariq Ahmad said:
‘This a wonderful example of how children’s choices can be considered and made a reality. The design and build of Rock Terrace has demonstrated to local children that their opinions do matter. Play areas like this are especially vital to children living in urban areas as they provide a place where they can play in a fun and safe environment. Rock Terrace will enhance the quality of life both of children and parents in the Phipps Bridge area.’
ENDS
Notes to Editor
Play area cost £130,000 to be built.
Seven companies put forward design and build proposals for assessment by Merton Council earlier this year. They were then short-listed to three: Surrey-based SMP Playgroup, Playground Services in Berkshire and Husson International in Buckinghamshire, basing their decision on accessibility for all as well as the range of play equipment available.
50 Benedict Primary School pupils made the final decision about which design was implemented.
Photo from left-to-right: Amy-Louise Bowden, Bailey Jones and Jessica Thompson.
Photo of all the school children with the Mayor.