The newly refurbished play area at Jackie Bell’s Field in Netherfield has officially opened, following a major improvement project funded by £98,000 from FCC Communities Foundation.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mayor Sandra Barnes thanked everyone involved in bringing the project to life. She said:
“I’m delighted to be officially opening this newly refurbished play park, and I’d like to recognise all the hard work that has gone into making this project happen so that local children can enjoy the space.”
Improvements to the play area include replacement of older equipment, repairs to the safety surfacing, and the installation of a new 25-metre zip line, multi-play climbing units, a wheelchair-accessible roundabout and trampoline, as well as a table tennis table and chess table (bats, balls and chess pieces are available to borrow from the St George’s Centre).
The refurbishment was made possible through funding from FCC Communities Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that awards grants to community, conservation and heritage projects through the Landfill Communities Fund. The fund is supported by donations from waste and resource management company FCC Environment.
Cheryl Raynor, Grant Manager at FCC Communities Foundation, said:
“It’s fantastic to see this project come to life, shaped by the voices of local children and young people. By investing in spaces like Jackie Bell’s Field, we’re helping to create vibrant, inclusive environments that encourage play, wellbeing and community pride for many years to come.”
Children from the School Parliament at Netherfield Primary School were involved throughout the project and attended the official opening. Their views on potential improvements and preferred play equipment helped shape the refurbishment plans.
Local teenagers were also consulted on the refurbishment. Andrew Foulds from Nottinghamshire County Council Youth Service has been working with young people to establish a group of ‘Park Guardians’, helping to build a stronger sense of ownership and pride in the space. The initiative aims to help prevent future anti-social behaviour and is the first scheme of its kind at a Gedling Borough Council park.
At the official opening, the contractors Wicksteed Leisure, also provided social value contributions to the local community, including 50 £5 book vouchers for Netherfield Primary School and a £50 donation to the Youth Service to support its ongoing work at the park.
Councillor Alison Hunt, ward councillor for Netherfield, said:
“I’m delighted to see the new and improved play equipment installed at Jackie Bell’s Field. This historic community asset can now continue to serve local families and children for many years to come.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to the FCC Communities Foundation, Councillor Russell Whiting, NCC Youth Worker Andrew Foulds and Gedling Borough Council’s Parks Development Team for all their work on this project.”
Councillor Viv McCrossen, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Natural Habitat, said:
“The transformation of Jackie Bell’s Field is a real asset to the borough, offering a wide range of modern facilities that will benefit the local community.
I would like to thank everyone for their continued hard work throughout this process, and I’m deeply grateful to FCC Communities Foundation for the funding that made this refurbishment possible.”
Residents interested in getting involved with the newly forming Friends of Jackie Bell’s Field Group, whether to support future improvements or help care for the park, are invited to contact friendsofjackiebells@gmail.com to find out more.
