A playground is an integral part of a community - it’s where children can unleash their imagination, school friends can meet on weekends, and where fond memories can be made.
A group of residents from North Petherwin are on a mission to improve their local playground at the village hall, encouraging children to keep active and play with friends in a safe environment.
A fundraiser has been set up by Sally Jennings in the hope to raise £10,000 to make improvements to the existing playground in North Petherwin, which was last upgraded around 20 years ago - so the project is a welcome concept to many people in the village.
A group of parents came together with the Parish Hall committee in 2019 to launch the project, with the vision to upgrade the playground completely, improving facilities and accessibility for families and children.
The project has already seen the completion of Phase 1, which consisted of removing and replacing damaged and dangerous equipment, upgrading swings and the introduction of a new pirate ship-themed toddler climbing unit, as well as new rubber mulch surfacing. This was made possible thanks to help from Cornwall Community Foundation, the parish council and Launceston Rotary Club.
The Tesco Bags of Help scheme has also chipped in with funding to install a new baby changing unit and nappy bin inside the new disabled toilet at the parish hall, as well as a new picnic bench.
The completion of Phase 1 of the project has allowed the youngest residents in the village to enjoy the new play equipment, but now the team want to improve the equipment further so that the older children can enjoy the space too.
Phase 2 will cost around £10,000 and the team have applied for a grant of £5,000 from Calor Community Fund, so now it’s up to the generosity of others as they appeal for likes, shares and donations to the project. Each like or share will secure one point for the project, with donations securing ten points. The number of points awarded will help the project get to the next stage and make Phase 2 a reality. If the team raises more than £10,000, the remaining funds will go towards Phase 3.
In such a rural part of the county, and with Covid-19 resulting in isolation for many, this project is a hugely important step for the community in North Petherwin. Improvements to the playground will allow families and children to meet safely and use the new facilities.
Sally Jennings, a member of the project team, said: "Our project is currently lying in 18th position on the leaderboard in the Calor Rural Community Fund £5,000 award category, with only the top 22 projects making it through to the next stage of the competition. Of the 22 finalists, 11 will receive a £5,000 grant, with the remaining 11 runners up receiving £500. Every like, share and donation will help us on our way - please help by clicking the link to like and share before 7th July, and do come and visit our lovely playground!"
To make a donation, or find out more about the project, visit https://communityfund.calor.co.uk/north-petherwin-parish-hall-playground-project. The Crowdfunder campaign closes on 7th July.
