I have just picked up on some of the forum entries relating to the Adventure Playground in Peckham Rye Park. My name is Garry Martin and I am the Southwark Play Service Manager. The adventure playground sits within my section and therefore is managed and operated by the Southwark Play Service ( Part of LBS Children's Services ). I feel it maybe useful to update your members and comment on some of the information highlighted within a number of entries. As people maybe aware, the facility reopened to the public at the beginning of this year and some work was carried out to prepare the site for the delivery of a summer programme. During the spring/summer term, the old remaining structures were removed and the first phase of the outdoor development programme started. Some resurfacing work was completed, one new major swing was constructed and two existing pieces of equipment were modified and upgraded. We do not usually undertake construction work during key school holiday programmes, so at this stage, the first phase was put on hold until the Autumn term. This both allowed the safe delivery of the summer play programme, and permitted us to build up a larger group of regular users, who could then be given an opportunity to influence the design and/or detail of the new structures being developed. I must stress that the current provision of swings and their design has not been restricted in any way by issues related to risk and/or health and safety guidelines. Future phases will include more structures, including cable runways, tyre swings and a large border swing. These will be linked by platforms and walkways, which will incorporate an assault course theme. The Southwark Play Service recognisies the benefits that children and young people gain, by having access to exciting and challenging play opportunities. Peckham Rye will be developed with this in mind. Peckham Rye Adventure Playground has special memories for me, as for a number of years, I worked as the facilities Senior Playworker. The location is a great one and the site has always been well used by local children and young people. Together we will not waste this opportunity to create a first class facility. I would welcome feedback from the forum, including ideas related to the content of the site and the activities provided. have just picked
