Locals on the Isle of Dogs have welcomed the opening of Millwall Park’s new playground area, the first recipient of Tower Hamlets £10m investment plan for local parks and playgrounds.
The council’s ongoing investment programme aims to improve over 60 of the borough’s parks and open spaces and initially begun October 2020.
One park user, told East London Lines: “I think this is exciting news for our local community and borough, it finally means that Tower Hamlets is getting the recognition and funds for change it needs and updating park facilities and making it more family friendly is a great way to start.
“I tend to go for my morning runs through Millwall Park, but I’ve never really sat there however I did notice the outdated pay area and my niece would say it was boring to play there but she’s now really excited and who knows? You might catch me playing there too.”
The council said they surveyed locals, and parents had said they wanted new and improved park equipment and a combined space for both young and older children to play.
Others said they used the park for sport or exercise, to meet friends, walk dogs or enjoy being outside.
Kirsty Bishop, 29, told East London Lines: “It’s good that they’re investing on parks as it’s important within urban environments for us as parents and for our children’s development. Parks give us a space for exercise, leisure, and relaxation and it brings different groups within our community together.
“I wished it had been done for the summer as it won’t come to much use now, but it’s something to look forward to for the hotter days.”
The newly installed equipment is modern and according to the council it aims to facilitate creative play and engagement for children of all abilities and all ages.
The new playground contains new safety surfacing, paths, benches, and picnic tables for families and community members to come together and acquaint.
Mayor of Tower Hamlets, John Biggs, said: “Play is vital for young people’s physical and mental development, which is a real focus for me and vital to our continuing recovery from Covid-19. This new playground will make a huge difference to local families and signals the latest boost to our borough’s brilliant parks and open spaces.”
