New play area opens at Avon Mill Recreation Ground

A NEW play area has been officially opened at Newbold's Avon Mill Recreation Ground.
17 March 2014
Mark Pawsey, MP for Rugby, joined borough councillors and members of the Newbold on Avon Community Partnership at Friday's (14 March) opening ceremony, which included the cutting of a celebratory cake made by staff at Caldecott Park's Old Tool Shed Cafe.

Rugby Borough Council worked with the recently formed Newbold on Avon Community Partnership to secure a £25,000 grant from SITA Trust's QEII Fields Fund to build the play area.

The partnership carried out a consultation in Newbold which revealed a desire for new play facilities - and a 'wish list' of play equipment.

After securing the grant, a number of designs for the new play area were drawn up based on the results of the consultation, and residents and pupils at Newbold Riverside Primary School voted for a favourite design.

The completed play area includes a nest swing, cradle swings, a multi-play frame with slide, roundabout, rocking board and a trim trail.

In addition to the £25,000 grant, the council invested £15,000 in the play area.

Cllr Dr Mark Williams, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for sustainable environment, said: "The new play area at Avon Mill Recreation Ground shows the difference the council and communities can make when working together.

"The play area's a real asset for Newbold, and further evidence of the council's commitment to investing in quality play facilities for our residents."

Cllr Claire Edwards, ward councillor for Newbold and Brownsover and one of the founders of the Newbold on Avon Community Partnership, said: "The partnership was only formed in the summer and the play area was its first campaign.

"The community really got behind the plans and I'm delighted we now have a play area to be proud of.

"It shows the partnership can give the community a voice and deliver results."

Avon Mill Recreation Ground qualified for a grant from SITA Trust after being granted protected status under the Fields in Trust's Queen Elizabeth II Field Challenge.

Picture caption: Mark Pawsey, MP for Rugby, and Cllr Claire Edwards joined youngsters Layla and Max Farrell at the opening of the new play area at Avon Mill Recreation Ground.