The Friends of Swanton Close Park in Newcastle are celebrating after the launch of their improved play area, created thanks to a lot of hard work by the group and a grant from Community Spaces.
Coun Sharon Pattison cut the ribbon to start the celebrations and let the eager children on to the playground.
There was face painting, a barbecue, red, white and blue themed cakes galore and a wonderful spread of food to celebrate, as well as plans and displays of how it all came about.
The old play area was derelict and underused. The Friends of Swanton Park was set up by local residents to give the children more and better play options, and they have worked incredibly hard over several years to get to this point.
The area is very small but manages to fit in swings, a multi use castle with climbing wall, and a smaller one for the very young. There is inclusive access and a sensory sculpture too.
The site has also been supported by Newcastle City Council, which has provided new fencing and access to a wider woodland and open area behind the play area. This now means that the area is effectively much larger and it will provide a ‘stepping stone’ to new and more adventurous play in the future.
Congratulations to the local residents and Newcastle City Council – really satisfying to see that hard work reaps rewards.