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Lands cape & Ame ni t y
April 2018 Product News 0303 Special Feature
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Celebrating the Best of British
MP calls for report into childhood obesity and the alarming decline in playgrounds Chris Leslie, MP for Nottingham East, has called for research into the state of UK play provision in a debate in Westminster Hall. Chairman of the Association of Play Industries, Mark Hardy, says: “API research uncovered a steep decline in playgrounds across England. “Our report - Nowhere To Play - found that 448 playgrounds are closed or closing. With no dedicated funding for playgrounds from central government or thirdsector grants, play provision falls to local authorities whose budgets are squeezed. “We’re delighted that Mr Leslie will call upon the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government to commission a thorough report into the state of play facilities and open spaces throughout the UK.” Chris Leslie, MP, says: “With rising levels of childhood
obesity and a deepening crisis in children’s mental health, research is urgently needed into the correlation between these issues and the deprivation experienced in some areas where free play opportunities are lacking.
Soils & Treatment The latest product innovations
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“It’s now time to drive forward a renaissance in children’s play across the country so that the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor play are opened up to children from all backgrounds. “I will be asking the government for a clear show of support for play and the benefits it brings to children, families and communities. A relatively modest investment in playground provision now will help reverse the downward trend. “The worsening childhood obesity crisis means that the provision of spaces for children to play and get active has to
take priority. Children with a playground within 1km of their home are five times more likely to be of a healthy weight. “For many children living in deprived areas - who are more than twice as likely to be obese than those in more affluent areas - playgrounds are often their only chance to play outdoors.
Furnitubes launch new Elements XL range Elements XL is the latest addition to Furnitubes’ long established and ever popular Elements range of street furniture. The collection has been extended to include larger seating products including benches deep enough
to allow dual aspect seating and seats with higher backrests for added comfort. With two standard size options, a choice of seven support types and many optional add-on features, the variety of Elements
“We would expect to find a higher incidence of childhood obesity in deprived areas where free play opportunities are limited. Research into the prevalence of obesity and other health issues in certain geographic areas could examine these correlations and ultimately guide decision-making.
is restricted there are likely to be profound effects upon their physical and mental health, both now and in the future. Although not a silver bullet, a wellmaintained community play area fosters social cohesion, inspires children to get active and can transform a community.”
“Play is fundamental to children’s wellbeing. If play
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Inside Knowledge STIHL looks to the future
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World class ideas sought in design competition XL seating configurations is almost endless - putting you firmly in control of the design to best suit the requirements of your scheme.
Ebbsfleet in Kent will be the site of the first new Garden City of the 21st Century, creating 15,000 new homes, 30,000 jobs and seven city parks.
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It is also the largest of the 10 Healthy New Town initiatives being run by the NHS to show that land can be used to deliver health benefits. This has created an exciting opportunity to take an innovative approach to the design and sustainability of the city and, in particular, the health of its community. That is why the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation and the NHS are launching an international design competition, managed by the Landscape Institute, to ensure the best minds in the landscape profession take on the challenge of how best to create a truly modern healthy city. Ideas are invited
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
from individual landscape professionals, or teams which include landscape professionals, with multidisciplinary teams incorporating artists and engineers particularly encouraged Dan Cook, Chief Executive of the Landscape Institute said: “We have the opportunity to take a truly modern and multidisciplinary approach at Ebbsfleet which could end up becoming a model for the creation of healthy new cities across the world. “The competition will also challenge landscape professionals to demonstrate the leadership potential of their industry in showing the way towards creating healthy living environments and how good design can powerfully incorporate green infrastructure into a project.”
Pedestrian & Remote Mowers A spotlight on the machines available
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Sports Turf Management Jane Carley’s in-depth look
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