Children’s play area receives new inclusive features with UKSPF funding boost
Last updated: 9/9/2024
A children’s play area in Gamston has become further inclusive after receiving a vital funding boost from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) allocated UKSPF funding to Holme Pierrepont & Gamston Parish Council for new accessible play equipment at Ambleside Play Park.
It’s included groundworks, footpath installation and site tidying as part of the Parish Council’s multi-stage playground improvement project.
It has welcomed the first two new facilities, a bucket swing and wheelchair-accessible trampoline for all children to enjoy and an improved wheelchair-accessible footpath is set to be installed.
The Parish Council aimed to create additional inclusive facilities where children of all abilities can learn, stay active, play together, make friends, and socialise and the project aligns with Scope’s Let’s Play Fair: Inclusive Playgrounds campaign.
Prior to the upgrades, the Parish Council undertook a resident survey which recognised a need to ensure the play park catered for children with disabilities. Earlier stages of the project were completed in 2019 which included updating and improving existing equipment.
Works have been completed by Bradmore-based playground equipment supplier Proludic Ltd, who designed the updated features.
To celebrate the new upgrades, an opening event in conjunction with the annual Play Day took place last month. RBC’s Deputy Leader Cllr Abby Brennan joined the Mayor of Rushcliffe Cllr Andy Brown, Parish Council representatives, Proludic Ltd and local families who were delighted with the new facilities.
Cllr Abby Brennan said: “Through UKSPF we’ve supported this fantastic project to upgrade the playground’s equipment and paths to be accessible for children of all abilities who live in and around the parish.
“We’re pleased to help enhance the local facilities and that reflects our values of equality and access for all children and this project will help create a space where families can come together and thrive in a supportive environment.
“The Parish Council have done a remarkable job delivering this vital project for all local families and visitors to enjoy in years to come.”
Holme Pierrepont & Gamston Parish Council Vice Chair Cynthia Stacey added: “The award of the UKSPF grant has enabled the Parish Council to take the first steps in making Ambleside Play Park more accessible.
“The bucket swing and trampoline have already proved very popular, and it has been great to see so many children, of all abilities, play together. With more equipment being installed soon, it is hoped the park will be a truly inclusive community-based space which everybody can enjoy.”
The project is expected to be completed by spring 2025, with the installation of sensory equipment such as outdoor musical instruments, which are being funded by Nottinghamshire County Council.
