A brand-new £100,000 play area has opened in Arnold, giving local families an upgraded space packed with climbing frames, accessible equipment and sensory play features.
The revamped playground at Church Lane Park was officially unveiled on Wednesday (14 October) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the Mayor of Gedling, councillors, community volunteers and project partners.
Funded by FCC Communities Foundation, the refurbishment has transformed the site into a woodland-themed play space designed to be more inclusive, ensuring children of different ages and abilities can play side by side.
Among the new attractions are two multi-play climbing structures for younger and older children, new swings, a wheelchair-accessible roundabout and an exercise trail. The playground also features sensory and imaginative play panels, alongside a sign-language communication board. The park’s popular zip wire has also been refurbished as part of the project.
Opening the play area, Mayor of Gedling Councillor Sandra Barnes spoke about her personal connection to the park.
She said: “Church Lane Recreation Ground holds many happy memories for me. I grew up nearby on Redhill Road and spent lots of time playing here and watching Arnold St Mary’s Football Club, so it’s particularly special to return and officially open the refurbished play area.
“I’m overjoyed that a new generation of children and families will now get to enjoy the park and make their own memories here.”
The project was made possible through funding from FCC Communities Foundation, which supports community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund.
Cheryl Raynor, Grant Manager at FCC Communities Foundation, said the charity was delighted to support the transformation.
She said: “This project has created an inclusive and engaging environment where children of all ages and abilities can play, learn and socialise together. We’re proud to have worked with Gedling Borough Council and the Friends of Church Lane Park to create a facility that will benefit families for years to come.”
The funding bid was developed jointly by Gedling Borough Council and the Friends of Church Lane Park, following consultation with local residents. Feedback highlighted a strong desire for a more accessible play area, including equipment suitable for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Leanne Gilchrist, Chair of the Friends of Church Lane Park, said: “We’re thrilled to see the refurbished play area officially open and available for local families to enjoy.
“This project has only been possible thanks to the support of the local community, FCC Communities Foundation and Gedling Borough Council. It’s wonderful to see the plans come to life and to know children will benefit from these improvements well into the future.”
Councillor Viv McCrossen, Gedling Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Parks and Environmental Health, said the new facilities would encourage more children to get active outdoors.
Meanwhile, Councillor Kathryn Fox, Portfolio Holder for Life Chances and Vulnerability, said inclusion had been at the heart of the project from the beginning.
She added: “The new equipment has been designed so that more children can enjoy the play area together, including children with special educational needs and disabilities. Having places where youngsters can play and build friendships is so important, and this playground will help ensure that no one feels left out.”
