Two local play areas have reopened following complete refurbishment that’s taken place as part of a £350,000 improvement programme.
Funded by FCC Communities Foundation and Nottingham City Council, the scheme will see play areas in four parks upgraded, including new play equipment, seating, outdoor fitness equipment and improved access.
Seaford Avenue Park in Wollaton has had £65,000 of improvements carried out to create an exciting play facility for local children, which was officially opened by Portfolio Holder for Highways, Transport & Parks, Cllr Audra Wynter and local resident Eva Brown. Fondly known by everyone as ‘Auntie Eva,’ she has lived in the area for over 40 years and fostered over 100 children. Aged 86, Eva still walks the children that she childminds to school, and she sees the park as a community hub for children, young people and adults.
Official opening of new play area at Seaford Avenue Park 
Official opening of new play area at Seaford Avenue Park
Amesbury Circus in Aspley has seen a £96,000 coalmine-themed play area developed for toddlers and under-12s on the open space next to Rosslyn Park School. This exciting new play area has been designed to encourage group play and learning, while giving an understanding of history of the area. It was officially opened by ward councillor Graham Chapman and local children.
Amesbury Circus open space was created just before the Second World War, but has no play features. Local councillors and residents have been looking for improvements to the area for some time and a community organisation-led consultation showed there was strong local support for a play area that incorporated nature and wildlife and encouraged learning as well as play.
New facilities are also being installed at Coppice Park in Mapperley, and Arkwright Walk Open Space in The Meadows as part of the scheme.
Councillor Wynter said: “I’m delighted that these projects are now starting to take shape, bringing much-improved play facilities to our communities. I was pleased to open the new play area at Seaford Avenue Park with Eva, and to see the joy it brought to local children and parents. We are extremely grateful for the funding FCC Communities Foundation has provided.”
FCC Communities Foundation is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, conservation and heritage projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund.
FCC Communities Foundation grant manager for Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Nottinghamshire, says: “It’s always nice to see something we have funded start to take shape. We’re delighted to be supporting such worthwhile projects and look forward to them benefiting the local communities. FCC is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that benefit local communities and this is a great example of what can be achieved.”
For more information about FCC Communities Foundation funding contact: grants@fcccommunitiesfoundation.org.uk