Children and families in Carlton are set to benefit from a major investment in local play facilities after Gedling Borough Council successfully secured £100,000 in funding from FCC Communities Foundation to refurbish the play area at Onchan Park.
The funding will support the development of a new and inclusive play space, ensuring children of all abilities, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, can enjoy safe and engaging outdoor play.
Works on the new play area is due to start in October and is expected to be completed by winter 2026.
The project has been made possible through a strong partnership between Gedling Borough Council and the Friends of Onchan Park, who carried out extensive community consultation to demonstrate the need for improved facilities in the park.
The consultation highlighted how important the play area is for local families and helped shape the vision for a modern space that encourages play, activity and social interaction.
Councillor Viv McCrossen, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Growth and Economy at Gedling Borough Council, said:
“This is fantastic news for Carlton and for families across the borough. Parks and play spaces are incredibly important for children’s development, health and wellbeing, and this investment will help create a modern, inclusive play area that everyone can enjoy.
We’re very grateful to FCC Communities Foundation for supporting this project and to the Friends of Onchan Park who worked closely with us to gather community feedback and champion the need for improved facilities.”
Alison Pritchard, Chair of the Friends of Onchan Park, said:
“The Friends group has worked closely with the community to make sure local voices were heard and that the new play area reflects what families want and need. We are delighted to see this funding secured and look forward to seeing the park become an even more welcoming place for children and families.”
FCC Communities Foundation is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, conservation and heritage projects.
Cheryl Raynor, Grant Manager at the FCC Communities Foundation said:
“FCC Communities Foundation is delighted to support this project, which will provide a high quality, inclusive play space for local children and families. It’s clear that the community values this park, and we’re pleased that our funding will help create a space that everyone can enjoy for many years to come.”
