New child-designed playground opens in St Helier

The redevelopment was a joint effort between Infrastructure and Jersey's School Council Network

A brand-new playground designed with the help of Jersey schoolchildren has officially opened.

The facility at Millennium Town Park in St Helier has opened in time for the school summer holidays.

Work started in late April and the transformation is now complete, offering a colourful space for children of all ages.

The redevelopment was a joint effort between the Infrastructure and Environment department, the Jersey's School Council Network and other stakeholders.

Ten-year-old Mysha wanted to see a zip line, a new climbing frame and trampoline in the play area

Input from the Jersey School Council Network helped shape the features of the new playground.

Mysha, 10, who cut the official ribbon, shared some of the popular ideas with the project.

"A zip line, a new climbing frame and a trampoline — because if we had trampolines then some kids might like them and climbing frames would be a lot bigger," she said.

The result is a playground that includes those features and others, designed to inspire play, creativity and movement.

Infrastructure Minister, Andy Jehan praised the child-led approach

Constable of St John and Infrastructure Minister, Andy Jehan, praised the success of the child-led approach.

"We saw St Martin do a great job of that last year. We're incorporating those same ideas and suggestions, and the next area we're going to be looking at is Springfield," he said.

With the summer holidays now under way, the opening has come at a convenient time for local families.

The revamped playground is already attracting children and parents from across the island, keen to try out the new equipment and make the most of the improved space.

Officials say the project is part of a wider strategy to put young people's voices at the heart of public space planning in Jersey — with more child-friendly upgrades expected in the near future.