Ashington Playground Fund
Overview
The Playground Fund presents an opportunity to improve the quality, accessibility and inclusivity of play provision for children and young people by investing in new and enhanced playgrounds in areas of greatest need. The programme is focused on ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or ability, has access to safe, welcoming and high-quality places to play. By targeting communities with higher levels of child income deprivation and weaker existing play provision, the fund seeks to address inequalities while creating lasting benefits for children, families and the wider community.
The proposed programme will deliver improvements that reflect local priorities through meaningful engagement with children, families, residents and stakeholders. Community feedback will play a central role in shaping the design and development of each site, ensuring that investment delivers accessible, inclusive and sustainable play spaces that meet the needs of local people. Alongside enhancing opportunities for play, the project will contribute to healthier lifestyles, stronger community connections and a greater sense of pride in place by creating attractive public spaces that are valued and enjoyed for years to come.
Why your views matter
Play is fundamental to childhood. It supports children’s physical health, confidence and social development, and it helps build friendships, resilience and a sense of belonging. Playgrounds also bring wider benefits for families and communities, creating places to meet, spend time outdoors, and feel connected to the neighbourhoods we call home.
While many areas have strong play provision, this is not yet consistent everywhere. This programme enables local authorities to work with their communities to strengthen and enhance existing spaces, addressing gaps where they exist. We want every child, whatever their background and wherever they live, to have access to high quality, welcoming places to play.
What happens next
Once the survey has closed, we will review all of the feedback received from residents and use it to help shape the proposals for improving the park. Your comments will be considered alongside technical assessments, available funding, accessibility requirements, safety standards and the long-term maintenance of the site.
The results of the survey will help us understand the priorities of the local community and inform how the available funding is invested. We will provide an update on the outcome of the consultation and the proposed improvements once the feedback has been analysed and the project has progressed.
Audiences
- Anyone from any background
Interests
- adults
- children
- culture
- health
- leisure
- local services
- localities
- regeneration
- wellbeing
- wellbeing
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