Village’s ‘park to be proud of’

CHILDREN in Northorpe are enjoying their best summer holiday in years at their brilliant new village play ground.

The Eminson Play Park was officially opened by Peggy Eminson who served on the district and parish councils for many years.

The grounds on which the park is built were donated by Mrs Eminson in 1965 when she was elected to what was then the Rural District Council.

At the time, the children needed an area to play on, and residents got together to source locally made equipment - an example of the Big Society dating back to the 1970s.

Several years later the land was vested with the Parish Council on the condition it remained a recreational ground for all time.

But since then the play equipment has become old and unsafe. And in 2009 the 40-year-old roundabout was removed for the safety of the children.

The children have spurred on this latest project, after they wrote to the Parish Council asking for more modern facilities.

After consultation, a group was set up to seek funding for the new equipment. And with help from Awards For All, Community Spaces, Community Lincs and Community Foundation Lincolnshire, an amazing £45,000 in grants has made the children’s dreams a reality.

An opening ceremony saw Mrs Peggy Eminson give a short speech and cut the official ribbon, declaring the park fit for all to use.

“There was great community spirit - despite the rain,” said Northorpe Parish Councilor Neil Montgomery.

“It was all rounded off with a hog roast, drinks and ice creams in the Church Hall.”

“The park is open daily and anyone is welcome to share in the community spirit which has allowed the Parish to be developed into somewhere to be proud of.”

You can find out more about the park on Facebook or email [email protected]