Popular play area to reopen with new equipment

Stephen Warner who has almost finished breaking a piece of concrete from under one of the old pieces of play equipment which were removed at the Ringsfield and Weston Play Area. Pictures: Courtesy of Sarah Statt (Image: Archant)

Dreams will become reality as a £50,000 project to refurbish and improve play equipment in the grounds of Ringsfield Village Hall is unveiled.

Having been closed for refurbishment since January the new play area, which will serves youngsters living in Ringsfield and Weston, will be reopening to the public this Saturday, June 2 at 11am, with all welcome to attend.

With a £49,145.95 grant from WREN's FCC Community Action Fund, and the remainder of the £53,000 needed for the scheme coming from fundraising as well as donations made by local companies and individuals, the refurbishment at the park off Church Road in Ringsfield was carried out by Action Play and Leisure Ltd.

Sarah Statt, parish councillor and play area co-ordinator, said that after several months of planning and fundraising, she was 'looking forward to seeing the children enjoy the new and restored play equipment.'

Volunteers digging down to remove of the fence panels at the Ringsfield and Weston Play Area Pictures: Courtesy of Sarah Statt (Image: Archant)

The play area now has new swings, including a basket swing, wheelchair accessible roundabout, see saw, toddler climbing unit, play tower, restored jogger roller, shop front, learning boards and an aerial runway installed on the playing field with a new gate from the play area installed for easy access. The play area also now has ample seating with thanks going to the Wilson family, Adnams charity and Mr and Mrs Simister.

Louise Rees, parish chairman said: 'This has been a major project for Ringsfield and Weston with thanks to WREN for funding the refurbishment of the play area. The planning and execution of the project has been expertly carried out by Sarah Statt and I would also like to extend my thanks to all those who have contributed to making this project successful.'

Charlie Davis will cut the ribbon to unveil the new play area, before being the first to enter after winning a competition held at Ringsfield Primary School.

Penny Horne, grant manager for WREN, said: 'It's wonderful to see something we have funded finally open and ready to make such a difference to young people and families within Ringsfield and Weston and the surrounding villages.'

The almost completed Ringsfield and Weston Play Area with freshly laid turf.Pictures: Courtesy of Sarah Statt (Image: Archant)

Project thanks

Sarah Statt, parish councillor and play area co-ordinator, thanked all those that had helped make the refurbishment happen - especially the volunteers Stephen Warner, Kevin Eaton, Martyn Newton, Sue and Norman Belton, Steve Hall and Rick Evans who worked in all weathers to ensure the play area was ready for Action Play and Leisure to arrive on site.

She also like thanked WREN for their funding, as without it the project would not have been able to go ahead.

Thanks were given to the 'many people' who attended car boot sales to raise the necessary funds, the helpers in the kitchen, Quayway Boats, A.E.G. Cannell and Son, Mr and Mrs Simister, Buckenham Blast Cleaning Services, Ringsfield Lodges, Adnams Charity, Exploration Electronics, RPC, M&H Plastics, Elphick Builders and Jean Brown the parish clerk. The staff and pupils of Ringsfield Primary School, the Saturday morning football club and all who supported the project were praised.