A passionate group of parents who raised almost £17,000 to fix a “mud bath” playground is joining forces with the council to finish the job in South Woodford.
Mums from the Churchfields Park Association (CPA) loved the play space at Churchfields but were fed up with the boggy terrain in the winter months which caused their little ones to slip and slide between the equipment.
CPA member Bella Bush said the space is the only play area in the vicinity and is used by families in surrounding areas.
“I don’t bring my children down here in winter as it can be really dangerous in wet weather,” she told the Recorder.
“It is a real shame as it is a great place to play after school and all the children rush here.”
Wanting residents to be able to fully enjoy the green space the CPA set to work raising money to sort out drainage.
Any other leftover money will be used to spruce up the playground and purchase play equipment.
Nicola Wyndham said: “Most of the funding will go on resurfacing and drainage, but what we have left will be spent on graphic play panel and stepping stones
Emma Lynch added: “We want it to be a nice park all year round.
“It is OK in the summer months but it is a mud bath at the moment.”
Cllr Kam Rai said that with continued cuts to council budgets it’s imperative the local authority and residents work together to improve resources.
“It was hugely impressive that this group of residents raised the best part of £17,000 and it’s our duty to recognise that passion and commitment and play our part to improve the playground,” he said.
“I worked closely with Cllr Lloyd Duddridge, Nicola, Bella and the other parents to produce a cost-effective and meaningful plan for the playground and mitigate against the effects of the water, and I look forward to seeing the work completed.”
The CPA will also be holding a community paint-the-fence day.
To get involved visit Churchfields Park Association on Facebook.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here