Trampoline News

Council recognises benefits of outdoor play activities

One local authority in London has recognised the benefits of outdoor play activities for children and is opening 22 new facilities in the borough.

Hounslow Council will open the first 11 sites in March 2011. It is hoped that the new play areas will increase awareness of the importance of outdoor play within the community.

Childhood obesity is also big problem in the area, with 39 per cent of kids being classed as obese, reports the Hounslow Chronicle. This compares with 33 per cent nationally.

Councillor Lin Davies, who is in charge of children's services and family, said: "The new play sites will be innovative and creative places for children to play, with an emphasis on developing challenging play opportunities for eight to 13 year olds."

She added that the sites would draw children away from the computer into a "safe and fun" environment.

It is recommended that children take part in 60 minutes of exercise everyday but currently only 11 per cent do so.

The low impact nature of exercise on trampolines means they are ideal for heavier children to start getting healthy. Trampoline springs absorb 80 per cent of the bounce which relieves pressure on joints.