Bluewater has appointed ten-year-old Samir Osmani as its first Chief Play Officer (CPO). The unique role has been created to celebrate the official opening of the centre’s transformed Wintergarden play area on Friday 24th April.
Samir was selected from over 550 entrants, impressing the judging panel with his creativity, imagination and standout naming suggestion for the park’s centrepiece: ‘The Tangled Tower Toadstool’.
Since being appointed, Samir has been busy at the park’s opening weekend with his photoshoot and first official duties, including:
- Conducting hands-on swing-testing to ensure maximum height and optimal levels of fun.
- Monitoring giggle output across the park to ensure the facility reaches its daily laughter quota.
- Managing turn-taking diplomacy between small humans, including leading peace negotiations at the top of the slide.
Samir said: “I am so excited to be the new Chief Play Officer, I cannot believe I was chosen and I think the play area is so cool and fun for everyone. It was one of the best days of my life!”
James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, commented: “We’re thrilled to crown Samir as our first ever Chief Play Officer and he’s already thrown himself into the role with real enthusiasm.
“The reaction to our new play park over the opening weekend has been phenomenal, and it shows just how much families value having somewhere safe, exciting and imaginative for children to explore. We know how tough it can be to tempt kids away from screens, and as life gets busier, places for them to burn off energy are harder to come by.
“This new space gives children room to be creative, active and themselves, while parents can relax and enjoy everything else Bluewater has to offer. It’s another step in making the centre a true family destination – not just for shopping, but for food, fun and time together.”
The play area opened to the public at 2pm on Friday 24th April, following a ceremony attended by Dartford council leader Jeremy Kite MBE and Mayor of Dartford, Peter Whapshott. The opening ceremony was led by a ribbon-cutting from Snisha, winner of the Temple Hill Primary School design competition, whose design inspired the play apparatus.
For more information, please visit https://www.bluewater.co.uk.
