College Students Transform Adventure Playground

Four Portsmouth Highbury College students gave Paulsgrove Adventure Playground a fresh look thanks to a generous donation from Brewers Decorator Centres in Portsmouth (Farlington).

The Level 1 Pathway to Construction students took part in a hands-on project by giving the playground’s day centre a fresh coat of paint.

Senior Workshop Instructor Paul Cherry said: “Going out into the community to complete a project like this is a brilliant opportunity for our students. Not only do they gain valuable experience in a working environment, they also get to develop other important skills such as team work, working to a deadline and building relationships with the local community.

We couldn’t have done this without the donation of paint from Brewers – thank you. We’re also very grateful to Adventure Playground and Portsmouth City Council for allowing our students this chance to demonstrate their skills.”

The playground is one of Portsmouth City Council's six free adventure playgrounds designed to keep children active and healthy.

John Hale, Deputy Playground Leader, said: “We’re very much engaged with the community at all levels. As Highbury College is just down the road, I think it’s really good to give the students the opportunity to put some practical experience into their studies and provide something locally within the community. I see it as a positive from every angle so I’m very happy to develop this partnership further.”

Justin Bonner, Brewers Portsmouth (Farlington) Store Manager, said: “Over the last 18 months we’ve donated a variety of paint to Highbury College’s Decorating Department, who train up-and-coming decorators. We’re glad that miss-tints can be used for teaching purposes and in this case, to help the community.”