The Play Close, Melton Mowbray

Project Name

Creating an Inspiring Destination Play Park for Melton Mowbray

Project Type

FCC Community Action Fund

Our Funding

£100,000

Total Project Cost

£102,357

The "Play Close" Park has provided the community of Melton Mowbray with a place of recreation for over 170 years, during that time, the provision of what facilities have been provided have changed to cater for the communities’ needs.

The need for the project was highlighted back in 2018 by a group of concerned parents who use the park. They successfully campaigned, gathered support, and worked with the applicants (a registered charity) to bring this project to us.

The project looked to upgrade and replace the old, tired equipment, which was limited in terms of its play values with the introduction of new equipment and a new layout specifically designed to encourage a high level social interaction.

The project wanted the play area to be inclusive so children with disabilities were able to engage in the same activities as their friends but within their own capacity. By providing accessible equipment where children of varying ages and abilities can play together, the focus of the play area would be that of inclusion, where everyone can enjoy themselves without barriers hindering their learning and development.

Despite initial delays due to lockdown work progressed swiftly with the play area passing its safety inspection in July 2020 and opening to the public with a socially distanced celebration event a few days later.