Playground Closures

Local playgrounds are places where children spend those long, hot, summer days, when days were filled with playing football and riding on roundabouts. It was the usually the first experience of freedom from parents, or a place were parents can take younger children without any expense whilst being outdoors. So the increased trend for councils to close these playgrounds will ensure future generations miss out on essential experiences.

It is fully understandable that councils need to cut budgets, and something that is regularly debated in parliament. Cuts are taking place in all areas, so play areas are always more than likely to feel the pinch, but surely there are alternatives.

Play areas encourage exercise, and at a time were obesity levels are at the highest levels and one of the worst places in Europe, providing spaces for children to run around and exercise should be encouraged. Long-term this will lower the costs put on the NHS due to obestity-related illnesses.

Playgrounds, as mentioned, provide places for parents to take children for free. Current times means that house-hold budgets are low, so any penny-saving opportunities should be encouraged.

It may not be easy, but it is essential to save our playgrounds.