Playbuilder
Playbuilder in Somerset
As a result of the first national Play Strategy for England published in 2008 the government launched a three year Playbuilder grant programme running from 2008- 2011.The grants were awarded for the development of new or significantly refurbished play spaces which were:
Innovative and Adventurous ~ Inclusive ~ Attractive to girls
~ Aimed at 8 to 13 year olds
Somerset County Council with the support from Barnardo’s was amongst the first local authorities to be awarded Playbuilder status in April 2008. By the end of the three years Somerset received £965,031 capital and £32,307 revenue and used this grant to develop 29 play sites across Somerset.
By ensuring that children and communities were thoroughly consulted has meant that the Playbuilder play sites have been designed in response to local children and young people’s needs, ensuring that the sites are popular and spaces that the whole community use. With the support of the children’s charity Barnardo’s and Somerset County Council the Playbuilder programme in Somerset has enabled District councils to transform play spaces across the county, creating play equipment and parks that are more accessible, challenging and inspiring.
Playbuilder Evaluation Leaflet June 2011