Children will soon be able to climb and slide on new equipment when a "much valued" play park reopens.
Cornwallis Adventure Playground in Islington is due to reopen today (Tuesday), after 17 months of renovation.
The Cornwallis Road playground, run by community interest company Awesome, will offer local children access, food and activities for free.
This is part funded by Islington Council, along with donations from its Lunch Bunch programme, which funds free lunches and activities for disadvantaged children and The Felix Project, which redistributes unsold food.
Francesca Silvester, head of play services at Awesome, which runs six adventure playgrounds in Islington, said: “It’s so exciting, it's actually happening now."
She explained that as well as new equipment, the reopening is the return of a much-valued community hub. She added: “A lot of families have really missed it, it’s been their home away from home for generations."
Annie-Mae Beattie, who manages Cornwallis, is passionate about offering children activities away from technology.
She said: “I just want kids to be kids, to embrace their surroundings.”
Children were consulted during the planning process, and Ms Silvester hopes to introduce a youth leadership programme, empowering teenagers to act as role models for the younger children at Cornwallis.
Ms Beattie emphasised the value of the adventure playground, saying: “So many families need us as much as we want them here.”
There will be a community event on Saturday, December 16, from 12 noon to 3pm, with games, face-painting, and other activities planned.
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