The newly refurbished play area at Church Lane Park in Arnold has officially opened, following a £100,000 improvement project funded by FCC Communities Foundation.
The play area was officially opened on Wednesday 14 October at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the Mayor of Gedling, councillors, the Friends of Church Lane Park and key project partners.
The refurbishment has transformed the site into a modern and inclusive woodland-themed play area, meaning more children of different ages and abilities have the opportunity to play, explore and enjoy the outdoors.
New features include two multi-play climbing units for younger and junior children, new swings, a wheelchair-accessible roundabout and an exercise trail. The play area also includes imaginative and sensory play panels and a sign language communication panel, while the existing zip wire has been refurbished.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Mayor of Gedling, Councillor Sandra Barnes, reflected on her special connection to the park and thanked everyone whose hard work helped make the new play area a reality. She said:
“Church Lane Recreation Ground holds many happy memories for me. I grew up nearby on Redhill Road and spent lots of time playing here and watching Arnold St Mary’s Football Club, so it is particularly special to return and officially open the refurbished play area.
I’m overjoyed that a new generation of children and families will now get to enjoy the park and make their own memories here.”
The refurbishment was made possible through funding from FCC Communities Foundation, a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund.
Cheryl Raynor, Grant Manager at FCC Communities Foundation, said: “FCC Communities Foundation is delighted to support the refurbishment of the play area at Church Lane Park. This project has transformed the space into an inclusive, engaging environment where children of all ages and abilities can play, learn and socialise together. We are proud to work with Gedling Borough Council and the Friends of Church Lane Park to help create a lasting community facility that will benefit local families for many years to come.”
The funding was secured through a partnership between Gedling Borough Council and the Friends of Church Lane Park, following consultation with the local community. Feedback highlighted the importance of creating a more inclusive play area, with equipment designed to be enjoyed by more children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Leanne Gilchrist, Chair of the Friends of Church Lane Park, said:
“We are thrilled to see the refurbished play area officially open and available for local families to enjoy.
This project has only been possible thanks to the support of the local community, FCC Communities Foundation and Gedling Borough Council. It is wonderful to see the plans come to life and to know that children will benefit from these improvements well into the future.”
Councillor Viv McCrossen, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Parks and Environmental Health, said: “It’s fantastic to see the new play area open and ready for local children and families to enjoy. The modern, inclusive apparatus will give even more children opportunities to play, be active and spend time outdoors.
I would like to thank FCC Communities Foundation, the Friends of Church Lane Park and everyone who has worked together to make this wonderful transformation possible.”
Councillor Kathryn Fox, Portfolio Holder for Life Chances and Vulnerability, said: “It has been wonderful to work with the community to ensure that accessibility and inclusion are at the heart of this project.
The new equipment has been designed so that more children can enjoy the play area together, including kids with special educational needs and disabilities. Having places where youngsters can play and build friendships is so important, and this playground will help ensure that no one feels left out.”
