Going out to play in Ashfield’s parks and open spaces is about to become much more exciting – thanks to a huge cash boost from the Big Lottery.

Ashfield Play Partnership, led by the District Council, has scooped more than £284,000 of funding from the Big Lottery, which will be used to fund projects included in the District’s Play Strategy – “Making Play Matter in Ashfield”.

Better play provision for children and young people was identified as a high priority for Ashfield residents through the annual MORI poll.

As a result of the funding, the Council will now be able to work with other partners within the Play Partnership to deliver improvements to play provision across the District over the next five years.

Ashfield District Council’s Leader, Cllr. Jason Zadrozny said:

“The grant funding secured by the District Council for the Play Partnership will make a big difference to encouraging children's and youth play which is a key priority for the Council.

“The lottery funding will allow the Council and its partners to make significant improvements in play equipment to cater for all needs and will also provide for play events to bring the Council's parks to life, something I am very keen on encouraging”.

New sites for play and improvements to existing facilities have already been identified through consultation, and it is planned to provide new activity equipment for young people at sites in Selston, Hucknall, Sutton and Kirkby and inclusive play provision at Kingsway Park, Kirkby and the Lawn, Sutton.

During the summer, additional consultation will be carried out to determine the design of the equipment for the various sites.

If you want to get involved, then look out for the fun days being held throughout Ashfield on the local parks and have your say about what you would like to see and do at your local park.

The strategy will be launched on Friday 3rd August at an event organised as part of National Play Day, at Kingsway Park, Kirkby-in-Ashfield.

The play strategy can be downloaded from the Council's website, or leaflets can be obtained from Planning Policy and projects, Ashfield District Council, tel: 10623 457300.

For further information please contact Carys Turner-Jones on 01623 457004.