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New equipment helps children to have fun while getting fit
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| Councillor Margaret Layland, pictured with other members of the Friends of Cripplegate Park, helps to install the new I-Play equipment paid for by a £45,000 lottery grant after a television vote last year. Picture by John Anyon. 12342801 |
MODERN play equipment designed to combat childhood obesity will soon be available in Worcester.
Work on the I-Play, an interactive climbing frame, has now begun in Cripplegate Park, St John's after the city won almost £45,000 in lottery funding for the equipment in a televised public vote for ITV's People's Millions.
Councillor Margaret Layland, joint chairman of the Friends of Cripplegate Park, said: "We are so grateful to everyone who voted for this trail-blazing piece of equipment.
"It will be wonderful to see the children enjoying it this summer and getting fitter at the same time."
The solar-powered, vandal proof I-Play uses computer technology to encourage children to get fit while having fun.
The equipment is covered in switches and LED lights. The aim is for children to run between each switch as fast as they can, competing for the highest score.
It can also be used by children in wheelchairs and those with hearing or sight impairment.
The I-Play is due to be ready by early summer.
10:41am Tuesday 25th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: carolfarrell, Worcestershire on 1:25pm Tue 25 Mar 08
Mother Nature designed children with legs to combat obesity. What a shameful waste of money.
Mother Nature designed children with legs to combat obesity. What a shameful waste of money.
Posted by: carolfarrell, Worcestershire on 1:27pm Tue 25 Mar 08
Mother Nature designed children with legs to combat obesity. What a shameful waste of money.
Mother Nature designed children with legs to combat obesity. What a shameful waste of money.
Posted by: munch, worcester on 2:22pm Tue 25 Mar 08
I wonder how long it will take before its broke or vandalised. What a waste of money
I wonder how long it will take before its broke or vandalised. What a waste of money
Posted by: Stan Parr, Pershore on 4:09pm Tue 25 Mar 08
Regular school games, (football, cricket, swimming and rounders, etc.), walking to school, a bicycle for evenings and weekends and a sensible diet kept me from being obese, during and after the war!
"Covered in switches and lights..."? For how long, I wonder?
Yes, indeed - it looks very much like yet another appalling waste of money - like that Teenage Tin Shelter in Dines Green!
Cripplegate? Sadly, this may be very aptly named!
Regular school games, (football, cricket, swimming and rounders, etc.), walking to school, a bicycle for evenings and weekends and a sensible diet kept me from being obese, during and after the war!
"Covered in switches and lights..."? For how long, I wonder?
Yes, indeed - it looks very much like yet another appalling waste of money - like that Teenage Tin Shelter in Dines Green!
Cripplegate? Sadly, this may be very aptly named!
Posted by: humbug, st johns on 5:34pm Tue 25 Mar 08
Give the kids a break for a change! These days they can't move for someone moaning at them. Surely the whole point of a park is for the kids to hang out there?! Ok there are those that trash things, but you cannot let that reflect on those who don't. Places for them to play football and cricket etc these days (that aren't covered in dog mess such as pitmaston park)are few and far between.
Give the kids a break for a change! These days they can't move for someone moaning at them. Surely the whole point of a park is for the kids to hang out there?! Ok there are those that trash things, but you cannot let that reflect on those who don't. Places for them to play football and cricket etc these days (that aren't covered in dog mess such as pitmaston park)are few and far between.
Posted by: Margaret Layland, Worcester on 10:44pm Tue 25 Mar 08
The play equipment has been extensively tested for its vandal resistance. Besides, good kids shouldn't be made to suffer because some kids are intent on destroying all that is good. We must not let the vandals win.
The play equipment has been extensively tested for its vandal resistance. Besides, good kids shouldn't be made to suffer because some kids are intent on destroying all that is good. We must not let the vandals win.
Posted by: Stan Parr, Pershore on 5:28pm Wed 26 Mar 08
"We must not let the vandals win."
Quite right, Margaret! There's thousands of talented, well behaved and polite children out there - thank goodness!
However, the vandals seem to be "in the ascendent" these days - or do they just get better publicity?
I can remember "bad boys" in the 1940s, but there was nothing like the open vandalism there is today. (Been to Droitwich Station recently?)
The rot set in during the 1960s, with the "do-gooders" - the "you mustn't smack the children" brigade.
They have a lot to answer for. You know it - I know it - we all know it!
Perhaps the answer is to stop selling off school playing fields for housing etc. and bring back the Park Attendant - one with some authority and the permission to use it!
We didn't fool around when "Parky" was about - trust me!
...and in a nice park, a good time was had by all!
"We must not let the vandals win."
Quite right, Margaret! There's thousands of talented, well behaved and polite children out there - thank goodness!
However, the vandals seem to be "in the ascendent" these days - or do they just get better publicity?
I can remember "bad boys" in the 1940s, but there was nothing like the open vandalism there is today. (Been to Droitwich Station recently?)
The rot set in during the 1960s, with the "do-gooders" - the "you mustn't smack the children" brigade.
They have a lot to answer for. You know it - I know it - we all know it!
Perhaps the answer is to stop selling off school playing fields for housing etc. and bring back the Park Attendant - one with some authority and the permission to use it!
We didn't fool around when "Parky" was about - trust me!
...and in a nice park, a good time was had by all!
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