Littleport’s youngsters are very fortunate, says columnist Lyn Gibb de Swarte.

In 1973, after the birth of my sixth child, the very first kids’ play area, an adventure playground in London, was initiated and literally constructed by a community committee set up by us parents, fed up with no 0-16 play facilities.

We received some funding, and it was eventually taken over by the Islington Borough Council – and it’s still there on Crouch Hill.

Fast-forward to 2024 and Littleport Town Council, responding to that same need, paid up-front for a new play park that opened in time for the school holidays, and parents and children are commensurately delighted.

Sited next to the Youth and Community Centre on Cornfield Lane, CB6 1EX, it is freely accessible and covered by CCTV.

Overseen by the council’s youth worker Joanne Coe, the centre itself is open Monday August 19 from 11am-1pm, with a tuck shop and indoor games like air hockey, and Wednesday 21 it’s the ‘Community Hub’ 9am-2pm and Wednesday 28 also 9am-2pm.

Opening primarily as a rest and recreation venue for families with children, the tuck shop is crewed by members of ThePort youth club who are putting it towards their Duke of Edinburgh Volunteer Awards!

The children are also keen to litter pick with tools available during the opening hours and they are rewarded with a free ‘Slush’ sponsored by local firm Littleport Timber Buildings, given in return for every carrier bag sized sack full of rubbish.

Accompanying responsible adults can also get one! Slush, in case like me you didn’t know, is an ice drink dispensed by a machine into a cup.

On Saturday August 24, youngsters and their parents are also invited to have an evening out together at the Littleport Ex-Servicemen’s Club from 8.30pm for a tuneful and fun time with vocalist Simon Rose. There are no age restrictions, free if you’re a member, guests £3.

As jolly entertainments manager Derek Timbers says, “why not ask about membership?”