30m zip wire and trampolines among amazing improvements for play area

Work will start in the new year after £100,000 funding was agreed

A 30m zip line, swings, monkey bars and trampolines will be created at a Nottinghamshire recreation ground in a £100,000 revamp of its play area. A seesaw and basket swing will also be added with existing equipment and flooring set to be refurbished and new improvements made to play facilities at Valley Road Recreation Ground in Carlton.

Volunteers and ward councillors are delighted the improvements can go ahead after £100,000 was pledged by the FCC Communities Foundation, a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, conservation and heritage projects.

Works on the park are due to start in the new year and are expected to take around six weeks to complete. The existing play area will be closed whilst works are carried out.

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Marie Spinks, chair of the Friends of Valley Road volunteer group, said: "Since the group started in May 2022, we have worked really hard to get this funding. We are so excited and from seeing all the children who came along to the summer fair we know how much difference it will make.

"The help from Gedling council was invaluable as well as support from all the local councillors. We are really pleased with all the new equipment and that the tractor will get a paint job."

Councillor Viv McCrossen, Gedling Borough Council's portfolio holder for climate change and natural habitat, said: “I’m incredibly pleased that we’ve been able to work in partnership with the local community to bring these major improvements to Valley Road.

"The plans for the new facilities look fantastic and I’m sure the new play area will be very much welcomed by the local community. I’d like to thank the Friends of Valley Road for working with us on the application, and to FCC Communities Foundation for providing the funding to make this project a reality.”

The bid for funding was made in partnership with Gedling Borough Council and the Friends of Valley Road group and included a consultation with local school children at Westdale Infant School and local residents about the equipment they would want in the park. The park is leased to Gedling Borough Council by Nottinghamshire County Council who also supported the council and Friends group with the successful bid.

Penny Horne, spokesperson for FCC Communities Foundation, added: "We’re delighted to be supporting the Carlton - Valley Road Recreation Ground Play Area Refurbishment project and pleased our funding will provide such a fantastic facility for children and young families within the area.

"FCC Communities Foundation is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that make a difference to local communities and we’re really looking forward to seeing this one take shape soon.”