MP celebrates opening of new play park

11.38.53am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 6th Oct 2008

An impressive new play park for youngsters in Cambridge's Thorpe Way was officially opened on Saturday marking the end of a two-year campaign by the city's MP David Howarth.

Mr Howarth repeatedly intervened to help local residents with their campaign for the play area after a constituent appealed to him two years ago to help provide equipment for children on the estate.

Previously, there had been only a toddlers' playground on the site and nothing for older children or teenagers.

Working together, Mr Howarth and Cambridge City Council have achieved a larger play area which includes a climbing wall complete with spider's web, tyre swings, an outdoor gym and climbing tower among other equipment.

The new playground was officially opened by Cambridge Mayor Mike Dixon and celebrated by youngsters who performed stunts on their bikes and entertained parents and children with their rap music.

Mr Howarth said: "It was wonderful to see the new playground opened at last and clearly being enjoyed by all the children.

Youngsters celebrate the opening of Thorpe Way playground with (centre from left) Cllr Julie Smith, David Howarth MP, and Mayor Mike Dixon

"The playground offers something for all ages and it has proved to be a very worthwhile project. I hope it will be enjoyed by many generations of youngsters in the years to come."