Sandwell Council was named as a successful Play Pathfinder Authority after a Government panel selected a number of chosen authorities.

The project, which will include one large adventure play area, was put before members of Sandwell's cabinet yesterday (Wednesday).

Capital funding of £2 million with a further £500,000 revenue cash is being made available from April until March 2011 for the major scheme to promote play and improve facilities.

Councillor Ian Jones, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "I'm very pleased Sandwell has been given access to this additional money which will fully complement our play strategy.

"It will also see more young people and children enjoying facilities we will be able to provide in the future."

Sandwell Council submitted an expression of interest in September 2008 for cash from Wave 2 of the Play Pathfinders and Playbuilder Fund.
 
On the strength of this, the council was asked to submit an application in November to become a Pathfinder Authority and was told in December last year it had become one of 10 Wave 2 bids to be successful.

The bid had received strong backing from councillors and Sandwell's MPs.

Members of cabinet have given their backing to the creation of 28 play spaces and one adventure play facility with indoor and outdoor provision.

They also agreed to enter into a formal agreement with the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) to become a Play Pathfinder Authority.

Under the agreement Sandwell Council would be expected to create at least one large, staffed adventure playground with a budget of £800,000 with the site being open access and free to use.

In addition to the capital funding there would also be an allocation of £500,000 to support the National Play Strategy aspirations, which include accessibility, training and working with voluntary and community partners. 

Locations for the play areas will spread across a range of neighbourhoods and wards in the borough.

They will be part of a wider consultation programme planned to ensure children, young people and communities have an opportunity to participate in the design process.