A £400,000 fundraising campaign is on the verge of being launched to create a new and inclusive children’s play area in Keswick’s Fitz Park.
The current play area has been hugely popular both with residents and visitors to the town, but in recent years it has started to show its age. Recent safety reports have begun to highlight issues, and Keswick Town Council, acting as the Fitz Park Trust, believes that now is the time to begin to look at updating the equipment.
Trustees have been in contact with a number of play companies to explore options for equipment, which is an ongoing process, but it is clear that in order to provide quality facilities it will need a significant amount of money to be raised.
There will be a consultation with the residents of Keswick before any plans are finalised, as trustees want to make sure the town’s children have a say in what equipment will be included. The companies that the trust has been working with intend to create a bespoke area, which will both educate about Keswick and the surrounding area, as well as provide high quality, thrilling play equipment. The trust will have to go through a full tendering process.
Once completed, the new play area will offer a modern, safe, and fun environment for children of all ages and abilities to engage in physical activity, imaginative play and outdoor exploration.
“We are incredibly excited about the positive impact this new play area will have on our community,” said Cllr Jean Murray, chair of the Fitz Park Trust. “However, to make it a reality, we need the support of local businesses, residents, and organisations.
“Every contribution, no matter the size, will bring us closer to building a play area that provides all children with a safe and engaging space to play and learn.”
The fundraising campaign aims to raise in the region of £400,000 through a combination of local donations, crowdfunding and special fundraising events.
In the next few weeks the trust will be recruiting a fundraising officer.
Ways for people contribute will include:
- Donating directly to the campaign via JustGiving page (to be launched shortly);
- Sponsoring a specific play structure of the new play space;
- Attending or volunteering at fundraising events;
- Corporate sponsorship opportunities for local businesses to show support for the community.
The new play area is part of Keswick Town Council’s commitment to improving the quality of life for families and children in the community. The play area will not only provide a fun, safe environment for play, but also encourage physical activity, social interaction, and outdoor learning.
“We would like to thank all who were involved in helping make the previous iteration of the play area a reality,” said Vivien Little, clerk to Keswick Town Council. “Through their efforts, they made the current one a destination that it is, but it is now time to bring it up to date, and to provide a new destination play area for the children of Keswick, and visitors, to enjoy for many years to come.”
