PRLog (Press Release) –
Apr 10, 2008 – Telford and Wrekin Council have just installed the first youth shelter in the UK that provides a Bluetooth facility as well as solar powered radio and lighting. This pioneering youth shelter developed by Monster Play Systems allows young people to play music from their MP3 players and mobile phones through the youth shelter's inbuilt solar-powered sound system.
The innovative approach was just what the council were looking for to meet the ‘Playful Ideas’ criteria set by the Big Lottery Fund and support the council’s own funding for play provision across the borough. The youth shelter was part of a major project to provide brands new recreational facilities for the community
Cllr Denis Allen, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “The Bluetooth option for this shelter appealed to us as it is modern, novel and reflects young people’s current use of technology. They have all got mobile phones and MP3 players, so they can play their own music as well as listen to the radio. This is designed for young people. Young people are fascinated by originality, so the innovative features that this youth shelter offer make it even more appealing.
This is the 26th youth shelter to be installed in the borough as the council have found they provide many benefits for the whole community. If sited in an appropriate place, they become a central point where young people can meet their friends and ‘chill out’ without causing fear among other residents. They reduce boredom in young people, help in reducing crime and provide a link between agencies such as the youth service, the police and sports groups who look to interact with young people.
The Council involved young people in the design of the project as they have found that this constructive process creates a greater sense of ownership by them of the facility. It results in significant reduction of vandalism and graffiti to the facility and the surrounding area and connects young people to the environment where they live and creates pride in their area.
Monster Play’s sales and marketing manager, Marco Boi commented, “The solar powered lighting provides some security for the young people, but it isn’t bright enough to affect the houses in the area. The solar powered radio is a further attraction and as it is set at an unobtrusive volume, switches off automatically after 7 minutes and won’t play after 10 pm, it doesn’t cause any problems for local residents.”
Cllr Allen added, “ This is a purpose built quality shelter that should be appreciated and enjoyed by young people and I am sure it will become popular in every location it is provided!”
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Editor’s Notes
High resolution photographs available on request
More about Monster Play Systems Ltd
Monster Play Systems is one of the UK’s fastest growing and most innovative provider of children’s play equipment, youth shelters, skate parks and ball courts. The innovative ‘BigToys’ range introduced in 2005, is made utilising recycled steel and plastics, and gives BigToys one of the highest percentages of recycled content available in play equipment today. Their modern YS range of youth shelters are designed to withstand heavy use, are vandal resistant and have solar powered lighting and radio as optional extras.
The company has steadily built up a reputation not only for quality products but also for the highest levels of customer service. This philosophy together with the challenge to provide a safe, positive play experience that is also fun, exciting and developmentally appropriate has resulted in Monster Play Systems becoming the UK’s fastest growing and most innovative provider of children’s play equipment.
Contact details
Marco Boi, Sales and Marketing Manager, Monster Play Systems
Tel: 01923 811591 e-mail: marco.boi@monsterplay.co.uk
Colin Caldicott, Ultimedia PR
Tel: 01767 601470 e-mail: colin@ultimediapr.co.uk
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