by Will Davies Kids will be jumping for joy as an adventure playground is to be built in a much-loved park. Camden Council scooped �2.7 million from the Government to spruce up 29 play areas across the borough, including a new supervised

by Will Davies

Kids will be jumping for joy as an adventure playground is to be built in a much-loved park.

Camden Council scooped �2.7 million from the Government to spruce up 29 play areas across the borough, including a new supervised adventure playground in Kilburn Grange Park.

Sumatra Road Playground in West Hampstead has already been revamped as part of the first wave of parks and the playground in Maygrove Peace Park, Kilburn, is soon to reopen.

The play areas are aimed at kids aged eight to 13, who have fewer outdoor facilities for activities than younger and older groups.

Cllr Janet Grauberg, Camden Council's executive member for children and young people, said:

"Children and young people should have access to attractive open spaces in the borough as much as adult residents do.

"Too often our children are living sedentary lives and we know how important exercise is for good health and well being.

"I think these play areas will provide that motivation especially for those who don't have gardens of their own."

Recycled and sustainable materials such as fallen logs and boulders will be used to give the play areas a more natural feel than more traditional, formal playgrounds.

Herbs and fruit trees will be planted to enhance the relaxed atmosphere.

Young people and families largely influenced the design of the sites and the results are individual and unique.

Sixteen more play areas will be completed across Camden by April 2010 at sites yet to be decided.

w.davies@archant.co.uk