A new community and children’s park is now fully open in a village thanks to a Nottinghamshre County Council scheme supporting community projects, backed by local residents and Edingley Parish Council.

The council’s Local Improvement Scheme allocated £18,000 to the £36,000 project to create the play area at the front of Edingley Old Schoolroom.
The new play equipment includes a wooden ship with slide, an infinity bowl and balancing beam.

The parish council match-funded the project thanks to the pre-pandemic, fund-raising efforts of residents, which included children washing cars as well as local events and pub quizzes.

The park was opened by Alf Hall, who at 99 is the village’s oldest resident, as part of a socially-distanced event.

Coun John Handley, vice-chairman of the county council Communities and Place Committee, said: “In these tough times, it is heartening to see a new park opening that is already proving to be a firm favourite among local children.

“I’m impressed with the fundraising efforts of local residents, which last year helped to match-fund this fantastic project.

“A special thanks goes to Mr Hall, who at 99 is a true inspiration and has shown his community spirit by officially opening this park, which will be enjoyed by future generations.

“This is a great example of how the Local Improvement Scheme is continuing to help residents and improve communities.”
The park was blessed by the Rev Mary Foden Currie.

Parish council chair Diana Poole added: “We are delighted that the new park is open. Once opened, local children were seen playing on the equipment until it became dark.”

Coun Bruce Laughton, county councillor for Muskham and Farnsfield, said: “I’m very proud of the way Edingley residents pulled together to raise the money to help deliver this much-needed new play park.

“I am delighted to have supported the project by recommending it for Local Improvement Scheme funding. After the difficult year we have had, it’s lovely to have a bit of good news and see local children out and about enjoying the new play facilities.”

Laura Hill, parish councillor and Edingley resident, added: “The new playground is wonderful. it’s just what the families in the village needed. My daughter was so excited to see all the equipment and can’t wait to spend more time there. I especially like how it is all enclosed and feels very safe.

“It has felt like a real village achievement, having seen all the pledges from families decorating the fences.”

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