Children and young people from communities around the Castle Playing Fields, Haverhill, will have a new focal point, thanks to a successful Play Builder bid of £50,000 and a grant from St Edmundsbury Borough Council of £60,000. The project to replace an under-fives play area with a grand design for children up to twelve years will be opened at 11am on Monday 17 August by the Mayor of St Edmundsbury, assisted by local children.
The design has been based on consultation with local schools and the Parkway Residents' Association and its key feature is a 'castle', sculpted from trees. As well as other natural features such as grass mounds, planting and hedges, there is a zip wire, basket swing, rope climbing frame and an area for smaller children to play in. The new area will be sited closer to the Newt Pond.
Cllr Lynsey Alexander, Cabinet member for Culture and Sport at St Edmundsbury Borough Council said,
"Providing opportunities for active outside play is important for the health and well being of our young people, and I am delighted that this attractive scheme is going ahead. I am also delighted that the local community were so closely involved in the design, as now we can deliver a truly exceptional play area that will be used and enjoyed by local children."
As well as providing funding, the council will clean and maintain the site and ensure its safety.
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Issued by Sally Easton, Communications Unit, St Edmundsbury Borough Council. Phone 01284 757046 Email: sally.easton@stedsbc.gov.uk
