Article published on 15 July 2016
Work starts on building a brand new and inclusive playground in Grange Park, Old Coulsdon, on 18 July 2016. This is expected to take 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
The Friends of Grange Park, Old Coulsdon (the ‘Friends’) can now unveil the final design for the playground. This was produced by Proludic Limited, who have worked closely with the Friends over the last two years. They have developed a design that responds to the ideas generated by the community during the Friends’ extensive consultation carried out in Autumn 2014.
Ian Hamilton, Area Sales Manager, comments: “Proludic have been working in partnership with The Friends of Grange Park to create a fully bespoke play area, unlike any other in the Borough, that is going to completely transform the existing area. Proludic has been truly inspired by the commitment and determination that the friends of the group have put into this project from day one and it has been a pleasure working with such a dedicated group of people.
Proludic is very excited to begin the installation of the play area next week, bringing the design and the vision to life that we have been working very hard on for the last 2 years.”
The official opening of the new playground will take place on 10th September.
This is the same day as the Old Coulsdon Rotary Village Fair, so it will be a true village celebration. However, children will be able to enjoy the new facilities as soon as work finishes. Further details of the official opening are to be announced.
In addition to their own significant fundraising efforts, the Friends have been awarded a £50,000 grant from Biffa Award. This is a multi-million-pound fund that helps to build communities and transform lives. All through awarding grants to community and environmental projects across the UK as part of the Landfill Communities Fund.
Gillian French, Head of Grants at Biffa Award said: ‘It’s truly inspiring to see how this community have joined together to effect positive change in the local area. This revamped park is an excellent example of how the Landfill Communities Fund can help create fantastic recreational spaces.’
London Marathon Charitable Trust has awarded £19,999. This comes as part of their long-term commitment to capital projects that inspire local communities to get active and take part in sports and exercise. Since 1981, the London Marathon Charitable Trust has awarded more than £62 million in grants to more than 1,130 projects in London and other areas where London Marathon Events Ltd organises events.
Macquarie Group Foundation has also given substantial funding towards the project. They provide support to community organisations globally each year through financial support, volunteering and skills sharing. Predominantly in the locations in which Macquarie Group operates.
This is a true grassroots campaign. The whole community has united behind the Friends in their ambition to renovate the 25-year-old severely dilapidated playground.
The community is the architects behind the new design. Ideas generated by 150 school-aged children in a ‘design your dream playground’ competition led to an innovative theme. This theme was based on the local heritage and landscape, including Kenley Airfield and the River Bourne.
Inclusivity is also a hallmark of the design. Therefore, it will achieve PIPA status – the government endorsed accreditation of an inclusive playground.
Hannah Price-Harries, Vice-Chairman of the Friends said:
‘The Friends are very excited that work will soon commence on building this new community asset, which we believe will transform the heart of Old Coulsdon’.
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