Islington News: Tree Houses

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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 6 February 2009

Off the couch into tree house

IN a bold move to stop children turning into couch potatoes, Islington play leaders plan to install 24 new tree houses and dens in the borough.
Backed by £246,000 from the Big Lottery Fund, Islington’s Play Association is now looking for sites for the tree houses.
Association director Anita Grant said local youth workers visited tree houses, including a tree hotel, in Germany last year and fell in love with the idea. “The children will build these installations themselves under strict supervision,” she said. “It’s an idea that harks back to the early adventure playgrounds.”
Ms Grant added: “Once children have got interesting places to go and control over their environment then they can really start to play.”
Of the risks involved, she said: “This is about kids learning to manage their risks and look after themselves. We will have advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.”
Labour councillor Paul Convery has argued that children today are too cosseted. “There are two types of kids: those driven everywhere and never let out of the house and those forced to find their own entertainment,” he said.
“Hopefully, this project will bring both groups together. Children need a little risk and adventure in their lives.”

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