South Norfolk hits the jackpot with £200,000 Big Lottery boost for children's play

South Norfolk Council is on a roll after winning a massive £200,000 to boost children's play!

Councillors and officers are celebrating an early Christmas present after their bid, called "Raising the Game" got the big thumbs up from Big Lottery judges.

Councillor Michael Windridge, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Heritage, Enterprise and Culture, has joked in the past about being the Member for Fun in South Norfolk.

Now believes he has delivered on his promise.

He said:

"This is a record size grant for children's play. It's a Grown Up's dream come true! Everyone has worked tremendously hard to prepare such a successful Lottery application.

"It's a wonderfully exciting Christmas present which we shall unwrap and share amongst all the children of South Norfolk.

"When I first took on this job, I said that improving children's play opportunities represented a special priority for this Council.

"This very generous grant will enable us to match political commitment with real action."

The council's bid was the result of extensive consultation with the community and has been shaped by responses and comments from children and young people.

Over the next three years the council will be working with its key stakeholders and using some of the funding to recruit Play Rangers.

They will be creating safe environments for children to play freely with the introduction of mobile equipment and a wealth of fun ideas. It will also help to meet the needs expressed by those living in rural areas, and make sure there is equal access to good quality service, but close to local people.

As well as encouraging greater use of parks, there will be woodland play sessions with den building, tree climbing, animal tracking and making simple wooden toys.

Plans are also underway to offer challenging activities to young people.

So in addition to a low wire course of ropes, swings and bridges, there will also be a Parkour site with a distinctive rural theme.

This will have jumping and vaulting obstacles and will be supported by expert coaching to get the project started.

Family-focused fun is also a feature of this exciting outdoor experience with a treasure-hunt trail, known as "cacheing", and 'Forest Quest' a performance adventure at the council's countryside sites. For younger children and those with special needs, the council is planning 'Magic Theatre' - a temporary sensory installation.

Web links

• South Norfolk Council Play Strategy

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