Local families across the borough have been benefiting from new playgrounds, as the council continues its Playground Investment Programme (PIP).
Executive Mayor Jason Perry and cabinet member for streets and environment, Councillor Scott Roche, were joined by community members and council staff to officially open the new and improved Northborough Road Playground in Norbury.
Northborough Road is the fifth playground to open as part of the Playground Investment Programme, which has expanded to nine sites from the original five.
Plans are developed following engagement with the community and through working collaboratively with the fantastic local Friends of Parks groups.
“The new equipment can be enjoyed by children from ages 1 – 14 years, and it can also accommodate children with disabilities.
“We’ve listened to calls for comfortable seating with good visibility so parents and carers can watch their children play.
“We’re grateful to the local community who have already participated in our sessions and given valuable feedback. We look forward to hearing from more of you as we kick off the next round of engagement sessions, it is important we listen to the local residents and families who would be enjoying the new playground facilities and what their needs are.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
Nathalie Ballard, Vice Chair of Norbury Green Residents’ Association said: “We are delighted to have this wonderful new playground in Norbury. We hope as many families as possible come to enjoy it. Even today it was great to see so many kids turn up — it’s been such a hidden gem, but we’re happy to draw more attention.”
Engagement sessions start this week to gather input from the local community to inform the designs of a further three playgrounds which are set for upgrades as part of the playground strategy. The dates and locations are:
Canterbury Road (CR0 3JN)
- Thursday 23 November, 2.30pm – 4.30pm
- Saturday 25 November, 10am – 12:00pm
Whitehorse Rec (CR0 2QJ)
- Thursday 30 November, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
- Saturday 2 December, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Selsdon Rec (CR2 8PH)
- Thursday 7 December, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
- Saturday 9 December, 10:00am – 12:00pm
All engagement sessions will be held in conjunction with the council’s contractors Kompan and Hags, who have designed the new playgrounds. These sessions give participants the chance to raise any questions they may have and provide feedback on the designs.
More information on the PIP and the upcoming engagement sessions can be found on the council website.
