New playground in Donnington is latest outdoor project completed by Telford & Wrekin Council
Progress on the delivery of dozens of play schemes across the borough is ramping up as Telford & Wrekin Council completes another exciting project.
Encouraging older girls to enjoy outdoor play is a focus of the latest playground project, as research shows girls over the age of 12 tend not to use parks and playgrounds. The existing play area at Donnington recreation ground has been replaced with a shiny new one that’s even bigger. It includes a multi-swing ideal for older girls to play together and socialise.
It has also been designed with accessibility in mind. There’s a roundabout which can cater for wheelchair users and a sign language play panel. Other features include a ‘TikTok stage’.
The council has almost completed what is thought to be the biggest outdoor fitness centre in the Midlands at this site, too. It features state-of-the-art gym equipment and training zones, as well as a tennis court and running track and is expected to open later this month.
The new play area has been funded through Telford & Wrekin Council’s £3.75m Pride in our Green Spaces, Parks & Play Areas fund – part of the local authority’s wider ‘On Your Side’ investment programme – which is about creating a clean, green, safe and enjoyable borough. The play area allocation from this programme is improving a number of sites across the borough. A further £5,000 contribution to Donnington play area was made through the Councillors’ Pride Fund by ward member, councillor Jim Lavery.
Councillor Carolyn Healy (Lab), cabinet member for climate change, green spaces, natural and historic environment and cultural services said:
“Telford & Wrekin Council is working flat out to deliver 48 play projects across the borough to create even more opportunities for children to enjoy physical activity outdoors.
“Our inclusive approach to playground refurbishments means even more children can benefit from the facilities.
“I’m also excited to see the progress being made on the new outdoor fitness centre. It will offer adults and older children a range of exercise equipment that they can use for free to get fit and healthy and is another example of how the council is on the side of residents.”
Ward member for Donnington, councillor Jim Lavery said:
“I am delighted that my £5,000 ward funding has been used for the playground refurbishment because it was something that mattered to people in my area.
“The new playground looks brilliant and will be a well-used community resource for children and families.
“At a time when parents are struggling during the cost of living crisis, providing high quality play facilities that are free to use is even more important.”
Photo: Councillor Jim Lavery, councillor Carolyn Healy, cabinet member for climate change, green spaces, natural and historic environment and cultural services and Richard Foden, play officer, officially open the new playground.
