Mark Garnier MP was welcomed back to Wyre Forest by residents and partners in one of his first tasks as MP to support the opening of a new play area at Woodbury Road, Kidderminster.
A new and innovative play area was officially opened on 13 May 2010 with a celebration event attended by local residents, children, members of the partnership who helped to fund the building of the play area and the MP.
The centre piece of the play area is an interactive piece of equipment called the i.play. The i.play builds on the popularity of games consoles and issues each player or team with a sequence of tasks to test speed, agility, coordination, strength and stamina. These include running, jumping and twisting to hit the high, low and mid-positioned activity switches.
Like a games console, it offers multiple levels of difficulty so players can improve their skill and view statistics to monitor their performance both during and after the game.
The play area also incorporates a performance area for users to demonstrate their skills and talents in organised events and more traditional equipment such as a roundabout, basket swing, toddler swings, slides, and climbing apparatus.
Dave Hyde, Chairman of Wyre Forest Community Housing said “We believe that play areas such as this one are so important for children’s physical and social development. It provides a safe environment, allows them to exercise in a fun way and gives them a chance to learn skills such as teamwork & fair play”
YMCA Youth Workers from the Dowles Road Y Centre organised a BBQ, face painting, and performances from the Katie Collins School of Irish Dance and The Y Centres' Hip Hop dancers.
Youth worker Steve Frost said "This new play area is only two minutes walk from the Y Centre. We are so excited to have this brand new facility on our doorstep as we will be able to use it at our youth club sessions."
The partnership involved in the development and funding of the play area includes Biffaward, Worcester County Council (Playbuilder) Worcestershire PCT Health Improvement Fund, Cllr Nathan Desmond, Oldington & Foley Park Pathfinder, Oldington & Foley Park Urban Safety Group, PACT, YMCA, Birchen Coppice Primary School and Wyre Forest Community Housing.
Notes for editors
For further information about the i.play equipment visit http://www.intelligentplay.co.uk/
For more information about the open day or facilities for young people at the Y Centre, please call Steve Frost on 01562 68402.
