Pupils from Northwood Primary School in Erith have played a significant role in reviving the Glimpsing Green play area located next to their school. The children participated in workshops to brainstorm ideas on how to make the space more appealing and enjoyable for youngsters in the community.
With the guidance of landscape architects from Turkington Martin and funding from Peabody, the project came to life. The pupils came up with vibrant totem pole designs to make the area more eye-catching and interactive. Additionally, they were involved in selecting new equipment such as a zipline track rider, climbing net, slide, swings, and a sunken trampoline to enhance the play space.
Stephanie Lai, Peabody’s project manager for Thamesmead Landscape, expressed her delight in the transformation of the play area. She emphasized the importance of creating a sense of ownership and pride among the children, encouraging them to value and protect the space for years to come.
In addition to their contributions to the play area, the children also planted various plants in the school’s wellbeing garden. They were recognized for their efforts in a special assembly where they received bookmarks featuring their original totem pole artwork.
The teacher from Northwood Primary School highlighted the significance of allowing children to have a say in the design process, as it resulted in their genuine excitement and appreciation for every aspect of the new play area. The project, which began in May after consulting with local residents, has now been completed and is available for use by the community.
The collaboration between the school, landscape architects, and Peabody showcases the positive impact of involving children in community projects. By empowering the younger generation to actively participate in the improvement of their local environment, a sense of responsibility and connection is fostered, ensuring the continued enjoyment and upkeep of the play space for future generations.
