IT was described as the future for children's play equipment and west Wiltshire was one of the first areas to get i.play.
But it seems kids in Trowbridge are less than impressed with the new high-tech equipment installed at Seymour Recreation Ground, Trowbridge.
Combining solar-powered electronics with conventional playground equipment, the i.play is designed to encourage competition and activity between youngsters.
It arrived in Trowbridge in March but concerns have been raised that the £24,000 investment is not being put to good use.
In a report to Trowbridge town councillors, community services manager Steve Nash said: "From what myself and other staff have seen, including feedback from local residents, the i.play equipment has hardly been used at all.
"When it does have kids there they are just climbing on it and not using it as the memory skill games it was intended."
advertisement
Although designed for eight to 14 year olds, the i.play can be used by younger children, and has both single and multi-player games.
Mr Nash added: "There was no consultation prior to the installation of the equipment other than to tell the residents' group it was going to be put in.
"As the equipment cost £24,000 I believe that we should be and have asked the district council that we are consulted much earlier about the plans."
At the time of the equipment launch, Eddie Brooks, of the Seymour Tenants and Residents Association, said: "I consider it an asset for the field to get children more active. I'm sure it will benefit the children of Seymour and the surrounding areas."
It would be good to see if this was transplanted to a different estate whether it would be more used. You'll probably find kids are kids and all they want to do when they play is climb and swing on stuff, not work their minds, they get enough of that at school.
It would be good to see if this was transplanted to a different estate whether it would be more used. You'll probably find kids are kids and all they want to do when they play is climb and swing on stuff, not work their minds, they get enough of that at school.
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
Print
Email this
Comment
