Playtime goes high-tech

Released: 2 June 2008

High-tech play equipment have been unveiled at a Wolverhampton park in a pioneering move this week (4 June 2008).

Already a massive hit in America, the Neos gaming system has now arrived at playing fields in Heath Town - the first in the country to have it installed - with a promise to help get youngsters fit while having some fun.

Four towers house flashing lights, music and sound effects which challenge the players to run back and forth, racing against the clock and each other to touch the blinking lights.

Offering nine different games and three skills levels, people of all ages and activity levels can play, watch and enjoy.

Each game presents a different set of challenges, but all encourage memory retention, hand-eye co-ordination, physical strength and endurance. 

The Neos has been installed as part of a £74,500 transformation of Taylors Playing Fields, off Burton Road, Heath Town. It is one of nine new pieces of play equipment, including swings, see-saws, a play-wall and even the Devil’s Island, a high-tech swing.

Members of the Springfield Horseshoe Housing Co-operative requested that the work was carried out. Funding has come from Cleaner Greener Safer Communities government initiative, which is supporting a number of improvements at parks and playgrounds across the city.

Councillor Matthew Holdcroft, Wolverhampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, said: “I am sure this new equipment will prove massively popular with local youngsters.

“Neos is a very interactive piece of equipment that encourages both teamwork and solo play while improving agility, balance, fitness and social skills. Players can have their scores recorded, making it competitive and challenging. It is great fun and helps keep people in shape, too.”

Ian Parsonage, the project manager from Wolverhampton City Council, said: “Taylors Playing Fields has had limited play equipment for some years. This new play area contains state-of-the-art equipment and the Neos is the first to be installed in this country.

“Having involved local young people with the support of Heathfield Park Local Neighbourhood Partnership throughout the selection process we expect the new facility to be well used.”

Issued by the press office.