East Leake has 2 fresh playgrounds ready for children to enjoy this summer. A new playground has now opened on Costock Road and the Gotham Road playground has received some much needed updates.
New Castle Playground
East Leake Parish Council’s newly re-equipped children’s play area opened on 28th July, on Costock Road. Designed for children from 2 to 6 years old, the centrepiece is a bespoke three-tower castle structure featuring an engaging mix of imaginative and adventure play activities.
Chairman of the Parish Council, Cllr Kevin Shaw will official open the facility at about 10am. He said “The Parish Council is proud to present this exciting refurbishment of the Oldershaw Trust space and hope it will be enjoyed for many years by East Leake children. It is funded by developer contributions from the Cornflower Way ‘Flowers’ Estate, which was built a few years ago by David Wilson Homes. It is particularly important for children this end of the village to have a play space close to where they live, but also open to everyone. Our vision for the space is a woodland trail with play elements that merge into the landscape, and an emphasis on discovery and nature. Work will be continuing to add new features for children to find that enhance the environment and stimulate their interest in wildlife.”
The equipment has been provided and installed by Setter Play, who have researched the history of the village and customised the castle. Aleks Bhowmick of Setter Play commented “We are delighted to be working with East Leake Parish Council on this project. The castle and balancing trail provide suitable challenge for the upper range of the age group whilst also inviting little ones to hold their parents’ hands as they make their way around the trail and into the castle. A clatter bridge activity evokes a drawbridge leading up to the castle gate house. Historical facts engraved around the castle keep will spark young imaginations and allow parents and carers to create adventures with their children. The Parish Council coat of arms flies on the flag overhead.”
The Oldershaw Trust land was donated by Robert Watson Oldershaw in 1911 in trust to provide a recreation space for the children of the village and has been in use for this purpose in a variety of guises ever since.
The Parish Council would like to extend its thanks to Manor Farm, Something Special, Captcha Photography, The Greengrocers for their generous donations towards the goody bags for the children.
Gotham Road Playground
East Leake Parish Council are delighted to announce that the Gotham Road Playground is now officially…. OPEN! The resurfacing works have been completed, the equipment has been cleaned and checked*, and all it needs now is the children to enjoy it once again!
We know it has taken a long time to get to this point and we genuinely thank you all for your patience, understanding and support. The park is now ready for some sunny, summer holiday memories to be made!
(*The small slide is awaiting a replacement step so, for safety reasons, we ask that it is not used until it has been fitted.)
