Recycled materials have helped to create a new children's play area at Shelly Bay.

Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield opened the playground yesterday to excited groups of youngsters.

The facility was rebuilt by the Parks Department after equipment installed 14 years ago began to deteriorate from heavy use and coastal environmental damage.

The playground, situated next to a beach, now features climbing areas as well traditional swings and slides — all made from 48,650 recycled plastic containers.

Declaring the facility officially open, Ms Butterfield said: "This is a great example of the Government's commitment to promote effective waste management, especially to reduce, recycle, and in this case, reuse what had been discarded as trash.

"Not only does the use of recyclable materials support the Ministry's mandate to protect the environment, there are added benefits including the reduction in maintenance, cost of repair and the extension of the life of the playground.

"Even the old timbers were recycled and used as new edging in order to raise the safety surfacing around the playground."

The playground is split into two areas — one for toddlers and the other for primary aged children. Two artificial 'climbing' boulders sit in the middle to enable 'free play'.

The Minister was accompanied by youngsters from Happy Moments Nursery and Preschool, based at Radnor Road Christian Fellowship.

She said: "In declaring the Shelly Bay Playground officially open, I hope it provides enjoyment, and will encourage Bermuda's children to play together in a healthy, safe environment for many years to come."

Speaking afterwards, Ms Butterfield said Government planned to further extend play facilities on the Island.

"As part of the Community Areas Programme, we should be soon opening Olive Bank and we've done Harlem Heights, so there are many more to come. We feel it's important for our young children to enjoy the outdoors," she said.