Aberdeen City Council has launched its 2018 Play Policy and Strategy with a special event for youngsters at the city’s Westburn Park.
The new strategy, which was approved by councillors in January, replaces the former policy which ran from 2013.
Since its original launch five years ago, £3.3 million has been invested in the refurbishment and redevelopment of over 100 city play areas and resulted in Aberdeen being commended as a ‘City of Play’ by the care inspectorate in 2015.
The policy update renews the council’s promised commitment to support the right of all children in Aberdeen to play regardless of their needs, background or abilities.
Yesterday’s event invited schoolchildren to the city’s Westburn Park to take part in a wide array of activities with their teachers and local councillors.
The day’s proceedings also featured pupils from Cornhill School kicking off their 24-hour Glitter Pick as part of the Clean Up Aberdeen Initiative.
They were joined by the Imagineers, five pupils hand-picked from Aberdeen schools to take forward the ideas of their peers.
The Imagineers ran games for both children and adults as well as sharing their new art magazine, which illustrates their ideas on the risks, challenges and adventures of playing.
Councillor John Wheeler, convener of education operational delivery, helped launch the policy and expressed his hopes for its future success.
He said: “It’s really wonderful to be here today, not only to launch our city-wide policy, but to see it in action with children having so much fun in the park.
“As many people will know, we are well on our way to becoming a Unicef Child Friendly City.
“The new play policy is a lynchpin in achieving that hugely important ambition for our children and young people.
“We want our children to be able to play and express themselves in the safest and best environment possible and that is why we are here today.
“The investment the council makes in play facilities is vital, but is just part of a far wider picture in which support and providing opportunities for children from all of our communities are helping young people to thrive.
“We’re committed to continuing that work.”
