The first zone was opened in Mile End Park North in Tower Hamlets a few weeks ago and was instantly in demand. Located next to a school and a community centre, this new site promises to be just as successful. Head teacher Paul tells me his staff are queuing up to take their classes out to use the new facility!
A climbing wall, a basketball court, a tennis hitting wall (as high as the world High Jump record) and football goal along with resistance-based, hardwearing outdoor gym equipment provide lots of different activities for the young people to try out. The equipment is available to the whole community, not just young people - and the presence of ParalympicsGB Wheelchair Basketball squad members adds a special something too.
Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, made a speech to mark the opening and talked about the importance of using the Games to inspire young people to take up sport and address issues like unemployment in East London. He also acknowledged the presence of Sandra White MSP, who attended to observe the potential of projects like this for young people in Scotland.
The two schools supporting today's launch have used this opportunity to reward young people for their good behaviour during the school year, but there are many jealous glances from the nearby playground at break-time, so I suspect this new community facility will be just as busy out of school hours as it is during lessons.
