A revamped play area at Jackie Bell’s Field in Netherfield has officially reopened after a £98,000 makeover funded by FCC Communities Foundation.
The new-look park was unveiled on Friday, June 5, with the Mayor of Gedling, councillors and project partners cutting the ribbon before taking a tour of the upgraded space.
Mayor Sandra Barnes said she was “thrilled” to open the site, praising everyone involved for creating a space “local children can enjoy.”
The transformation includes brand-new climbing equipment, a 25-metre zip line, a wheelchair-accessible roundabout and trampoline, plus fresh safety surfacing. There’s even a table tennis table and outdoor chess — with bats, balls and chess pieces available to borrow from the St George Centre.
The project was funded through FCC Communities Foundation, which supports community and conservation schemes via the Landfill Communities Fund.
Cheryl Raynor, Grant Manager at the foundation, said the revamp had been shaped by the voices of local children and young people, adding that the new facilities will help build “vibrant, inclusive environments that encourage play, wellbeing and community pride.”
Pupils from Netherfield Primary School’s School Parliament helped design the improvements and were among the first to try out the equipment at the opening.
Local teenagers were also consulted, with Nottinghamshire County Council Youth Service working to set up a new group of “Park Guardians” to encourage pride in the space and help reduce anti-social behaviour — the first scheme of its kind in a Gedling Borough Council park.
Contractors Wicksteed Leisure marked the opening with community donations, including 50 book vouchers for Netherfield Primary School and £50 to support youth work at the park.
Councillor Alison Hunt said she was “delighted” to see the historic park refreshed for future generations, thanking everyone involved in delivering the project.
Councillor Viv McCrossen, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Natural Habitat, called the transformation “a real asset to the borough,” praising the modern facilities now available to residents.
Anyone interested in joining the new Friends of Jackie Bell’s Field group — supporting future improvements or helping care for the park — can get in touch at friendsofjackiebells@gmail.com.
