Due to financial pressures, Wrexham Council made a decision some time ago that they could no longer afford to maintain the play areas in the Wrexham area.
At some cost, Broughton Community Council immediately took over the responsibility of maintaining the play areas to avoid losing these valuable community facilities.
There are six play areas in all:
- Gatewen Road, New Broughton
- Solway Banks
- Smithy Road, Southsea
- Brynteg (next to the Memorial Hall)
- Moss Valley Park
- Broughton Heights, Pentre Broughton (new)
The Community Council has also recently agreed to fund the ongoing maintenance of the new play area at Broughton Heights, in Pentre Broughton.
Along with the play areas Broughton Community Council is also responsible for two Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs), one at Solway Banks and the other at Gatewen.
Due to the constraints of the current COVID-19 epidemic, all play areas have been closed to the public. However, the community council have taken this opportunity to repaint and maintain the play areas allowing us to both extend the life of the equipment and address any safety issues.
There are many benefits to an outdoor play area which is why we see them as an essential part of our community. They can play a useful part in most children’s development. From playing on iPads to watching television, children seem to be spending more and more time indoors. The increase in numbers of children spending a predominant amount of time inside has led to numerous studies highlighting the potential negative impact this could have on their health and development. At the same time, research has also discovered that there are many benefits to children playing outdoors.
Here are just seven of the benefits:
1. Learning
Playing outside helps children to develop their learning abilities.
2. Creativity
Outdoor play is great for encouraging children’s creativity.
3. Health
There are numerous health benefits to playing outside.
4. Social Skills
As outdoor spaces are usually less crowded than indoors, it is less intimidating and helps children to naturally come out of their shells and extend their social skills.
5. Well-being
Giving children the freedom of playing outdoor helps them to feel happier and calmer.
6. Independence
The large space in which to play means that when outside children are often away from direct adult supervision. This helps them to learn independence when socially interacting with other children, as well as learning to play by themselves.
7. Explore
Often outdoor play equipment has a little more risk than indoor toys. Whether it is encouraging children to use slides, they might find initially challenging to go down or enjoy the sensation of the swings. Outdoor play equipment can help children to learn to push their boundaries and improve their decisions at risk assessment.
The play areas are valuable community assets, and we ask that they are treated with respect and used in a safe and practical manner. Look after your community it is for the good of everyone in it.
