Mayor of Lewisham opens new playground at Lewisham Park
Cllr James-J Walsh, Cabinet Member for Communication, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Laura Cunningham and Cllr Bill Brown, Ladywell Ward Councillors were also at the launch. The new playground is a £167,000 investment from Section 106 and NCIL funds to upgrade this popular park.
The launch had a very festive theme with walking Christmas tree mascots, giant candy canes, goodie bags, Christmas hats and lots of hot chocolate and marshmallows for the children to enjoy!
The playground at Lewisham Park is designed to be both sustainable and inclusive. It is aimed at a much larger age range and access for those with disabilities has been a key consideration. The new equipment includes a You and Me swing, a timber agility trail, a basket swing for all abilities, sound, light and touch play panels, bug magnifiers and a new sensory path. There’s also a new climbing frames with two towers, a bridge and spider net plus a fairy tale throne.
These new facilities for Lewisham Park meet the obligations and aims set out in Lewisham Council’s Parks & Open Spaces Strategy. The Council has worked with a range of partners on this project including Lewisham Park Crescent Residents’ Association [LPCRA], the Lewisham Portage Service, St Mary’s Primary School, Glendale and Kompan. The Council will continue to work with community groups to secure more future funding for further green investments across the borough, prioritising the health and wellbeing of residents of all ages.
Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham said:
“I’m excited to see these fantastic new playground facilities now finished and in use at Lewisham Park. This is a brilliant example of the community coming together and thank you to all the local residents who have helped with this project.
“Outdoor space is so vital for children and for all our residents, particularly in areas where many families do not have their own gardens. We have targeted Section 106 and NCIL funding to parts of our borough that need it the most. We hope all the children living near Lewisham Park will enjoy this playground for years to come!”
Cllr James-J Walsh, Cabinet Member for Communication, Culture and Leisure said:
“Our award-winning parks and green spaces in Lewisham, are vital resources to so many Lewisham residents young and old. The Council’s investment in Lewisham Park through our innovative NCIL funding scheme is a recognition of the importance of physical activity for children.
“Our ground-breaking Play Strategy is a key manifesto pledge for us, improving children’s health, quality of life and well-being. By creating a new, sustainable, long term investment programme, we hope to be able to refurbish or replace all play areas across Lewisham.”
Cllr Laura Cunningham, Ladywell Ward Councillor said:
“Lewisham Park residents have driven this project forward, working with the community and Council, to deliver this amazing children’s playground. I am in awe of everyone involved with our new playground and have loved working with them.”
Alison Munro, the Chair of the Lewisham Park (Crescent) Residents’ Association said:
“The Residents’ Association realised that local children really needed a new playground so we consulted with local families and the children at St Mary’s School to find out what they wanted, sought funding and then liaised with the Council to ensure that we got a playground that the children would love. We live in a diverse community and it’s wonderful to have an exciting new play area in Lewisham Park to bring children and families together.
“It’s already a great success and residents enjoy seeing the joy on the faces of children trying the new equipment. There are already many more families using this superb local park.”