On Saturday 29th October at 11.30am the Mayor of Broxtowe, Councillor David Grindell officially opened the new play and fitness areas at Pasture Road Recreation Ground in Stapleford.
The play area will benefit young people from the surrounding area, providing a safe place for outdoor play and exercise.
Young footballers from Pegasus Football Clubs’ under 7’s and under 8’s teams were there to put the new equipment to the test and meet the Mayor of Broxtowe. Pasture Road Recreation Ground also serves as the home ground of Pegasus, who have been based there since 1980. The Pegasus youth teams and clubs’ local connections were invaluable during the consultation phase of the project, which received almost 300 completed questionnaires from local people.
Pegasuss Football Club said, ”At Pegasus Youth Football Club ‘Our Purpose’ is to create happy memories through football. We take pride in having a fun, safe and inclusive environment for all, both on and off the pitch. We aim to play a positive role and make a difference in our local community.
Throughout the week, players and their families from clubs from all over the Borough use the facilities at Pasture Road. We’ve seen already that the new play areas have been a big hit with those visiting the park, with coaches reporting that the play equipment is being heavily used and enjoyed by players and families from both the club and visiting teams.”
The completely refurbished play area comprises a selection of modern play equipment, all contained in a dog proof fence, with play provision all the way up from toddlers. Equipment includes swings, slides, a seesaw, climbing frame and roundabout, all designed to appeal to a wide range of abilities. An all rubber surface makes the area safer and more accessible, even in the wetter winter months. Outside the fence a large basket swing adds excitement and just next door an adult fitness centre provides opportunity for older members of the community to keep fit. The project cost almost £90,000, with generous grants of £49,500 from FCC Communities Foundation and £5,00 from United Living more than doubling the Borough Councils own funds.
Councillor Helen Skinner, Portfolio Holder for Environment said “This fantastic play and fitness facility is going to make a real difference to those who use it, as well as the wider Stapleford community. We are extremely grateful to FCC Communities Foundation and United Living for providing funding as we would not have been able to deliver such an excellent project without their support.”
FCC Communities Foundation is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund.
United Living is the Councils’ Housing Modernisation Partner.
Penny Horne, spokesperson for FCC Communities Foundation, said, “It’s wonderful to see something we have funded finally open and ready to make such a difference to both children and adults alike. FCC Communities Foundation is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that benefit local communities and this is a great example of what can be achieved.”