As everyone will know the Village Playground is provided and maintained by the Community Association volunteers from funds it raises.
Over the past few years, we have been trying to gather the funding necessary to maximise the space we have available and upgrade the existing Playground equipment. The costs are scarily big but we are starting to see a way forward by implementing a multi -phase project.
We have raised money by controlling our costs at the centre, through such things as our sustainability project where we have been able to our energy costs, and by raising money through fund raising events like the Beer Fest. Thank you to everyone who has supported the event or hires the Community Centre – every little helps.
Another opportunity has now arisen through the Yorkshire Green, Great Grid Upgrade Project at Rawfield lane. They are offering opportunities to local organisations to apply for grants. We have applied for a grant to do Phase 1 of our project. This is the preparation phase of the upgrade. It will entail doing essential maintenance work on both the Playground and Recreation Area. The work includes extending the playground by fencing the grass strip alongside the Old Vicarage Lane footpath, paving the strip of land adjacent the Community Centre toilets and kitchen to provide additional sitting area and repairing the Patio area. At the time of going to press we have not heard the outcome of our application.
Phase Two would involve replacing our two sets of 1970’s vintage swings and doubling their capacity; by providing some equipment for children to practice and develop their balancing skills and a new Adventure Play structure. This piece alone costs £38,000 plus VAT and the cost of the safety surface.
A further Phase would involve refurbishing existing remaining equipment and filling in some gaps with additional small pieces of equipment.
So, we are now in the waiting game …with our fingers crossed. We will provide a further update in the next edition of the News.
The CA Team
