Playtime gets off the ground for kids
Schoolchildren who called the shots on the £50,000 refurbishment of a Church Street playground are now able to play in their new haven.
The Friends of Church Street Park group, founded in October, drew up a shortlist of available equipment for the play area and presented it to pupils at Holy Trinity C of E Primary School at a meeting in January.
Headstrong young members of the school council, which backs onto the park site, then made sure their peers got what they wanted.
Emma Sharp, chairman of the Friends group, said the children have become very protective since their new park opened.
She said: "They are extremely proud and ever since the park opened it has been absolutely packed."
The playground, comprising a roundabout, a spider web climbing frame, swings and dizzy discs, among other things, was made possible by a 50,000 Playbuilder Grant, offered by Wakefield Council.
Steve Farrar, another member of the Friends group, said seven benches donated for free by local fencing firm Earnshaws have made a massive difference.
He said: "The old park was run-down and damaged – and there was nowhere to sit, which made things difficult for parents."
The Friends group is appealing to local businesses and organisations for funding and sponsorship, so that it can improve the park further.
Mr Farrar added: "The kids wanted a zipwire and there just wasn't the money – but if we can raise some extra funds it will be a possibility."
Simon Hesketh, year four teacher at Holy Trinity school, said the regeneration project had been a great experience for pupils.
He said: "The whole thing has been a good real-life project and has taught the children a lot.
"They've had a say in the playground from the very beginning, and are delighted with how it has turned out."
The school council has also contributed to plans to renovate a town in Malawi, with which several Ossett schools have links.
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Weather for Wakefield
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
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