Children at the Church View flats in Filton had an extra treat for Halloween this year – the long awaited opening of their new play area.
Magic was in the air as the children finally got the chance to play on the new equipment, aided by a magician who was showing off a variety of tricks. And there were prizes on offer to the best spookily-dressed children who came to the party.
Donna Burgess, Chairwoman of the Viewpoint Action Group, which led on the opening of the new play area said:
“It’s great to finally see the result of all the hard work. It’s taken a long time to get here but it’s been worth it, it looks amazing.”
“It’ll make a huge difference to the community now the kids now have a safe and secure place to play.”
The play area had been expected to open during the summer, but the wet weather meant things had to be put on hold, while the contractors waited for a dry spell to finish the work. After finishing it off, the play area was signed off and the opening date was set for the October half-term.
Residents from the flats secured funding from the Big Lottery Fund’s Community Spaces programme earlier in the year. Together with £35,000 from Merlin it meant that residents, and the children in particular, could finally start planning their new play area.
Youngsters had three sessions testing out equipment to help them decide what they’d like in their new play area. This helped to influence the final design, which includes a log pile climbing frame, slides, a climbing tepee and picnic areas.
Members of the Viewpoint Action Group were honoured earlier in the year at the Filton Unsung Heroes award ceremony for their work on the Church View flats play area project.
