A ninja trail, zipwire and accessible equipment are just a few features of the newly refurbished play area in Lloyd Park, Walthamstow.
The hugely popular space has undergone an extensive refurbishment thanks to £250,000 of funding secured and delivered by Waltham Forest Council, with input from the local community.
Today (Thursday 10 April), Cllr Clyde Loakes MBE, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate and Air Quality joined guests, partners, councillors and local families enjoying the spring sunshine to officially open the new play area.
Central to the refurbishment was expanding how many different types of play the area offers. This includes a revamped sand pit, new toddler area, lots of swings, ninja trail, zipwire, climbing area and roundabout.
The play area is also designed to meet a wide range of needs and preferences and to make it as inclusive as possible.
It includes one of the first communication panels in the borough, a visual aid which helps fully engage those who may find aspects of communication challenging.
Cllr Loakes said: “I’m delighted officially open this fantastic, newly refurbished play area to local children and families. Lloyd Park is an incredibly busy destination which attracts more than two million visits a year and the playground here is a large part of its popularity.
“That’s why securing £250,000 of funding to complete this refurbishment has been a key priority in our mission-led approach to investing in communities.
“Outdoor play is vital for children’s health, wellbeing and development, helping them develop confidence and skills.
“We have excellent features and equipment of the highest quality, which can be enjoyed by our younger residents long into the future. It has also been designed to be accessible and inclusive and truly reflective of the wide range of abilities and needs of local families.
“We worked with the local community to help design this refurbishment, so I also want to say thank you to everyone who took the time to give us their ideas and thoughts.
“It’s proving instantly popular, attracting lots of visitors in the first sunny days of the Easter holidays. I encourage parents with young families to pop along in the next few weeks and enjoy this wonderful, revamped space!”
The Lloyd Park playground refurbishment was delivered with £250,000 Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding. It was carried out as part of two of the council's missions: to ensure every family and child are given every opportunity; and to create safe, green neighbourhoods where everyone can thrive.
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