London,
18
November
2012
|
23:00
Europe/London

Two Hackney playgrounds named best in London

Two Hackney adventure playgrounds have been named among the best in London.

Hackney Marsh adventure playground and Shakespeare Walk playground scooped two of the five awards up for grabs at London Play’s Adventure Playground of the Year awards, picking up the ‘most innovative’ and ‘most open’ honours respectively. 

Baden Powell Primary School, in Clapton, was runner-up in the ‘best playground in a school’ category.

It is the second year in a row that Hackney’s play spaces have been recognised as among the best in the capital. Last year the Hackney Marsh playground won the ‘variety’ category in recognition of the broad range of activities on offer.

Children who use the playgrounds joined forces with council officers from Young Hackney to create short films about why they think their local playground is the best.  The films were screened before the winners were announced at the Phoenix Cinema in Finchley, and some of the children joined others from the 12 short listed playgrounds. 

Cllr Rita Krishna, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We’re very proud of these fantastic adventure playgrounds, so it’s great to have them recognised by the rest of London. As well as being great fun, they can form an important part of children’s development and encourage them to play outside and keep active. 

“Well done to the young people and all those who created the films that helped to convince the judges that our playgrounds are some of the best.”

Melian Mansfield, Chair of London Play, said: “Anyone seeing the inspiring films submitted by children and young people in support of their adventure playgrounds cannot fail to see what fantastic places they are.

“These are safe havens, often located in relatively deprived parts of London, where children can challenge themselves, be active, make friends and have new experiences.

“Congratulations to Hackney Marsh and Shakespeare Walk adventure playgrounds for winning the awards for innovation and openness.”

Hackney Marsh adventure playground won the ‘Most Innovative’ award for the playground with the most creative or remarkable features or equipment.

Shakespeare Walk adventure playground won the ‘Most Open’ award for the playground which is extra welcoming and invites children’s ideas.