Croydon park to be renovated following campaign by residents
By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter
A Croydon park has been promised a revamp after parents and kids complained of climbing frames going missing.
Grangewood Park is one of five in the borough that will get a face lift as part of a £500,000 boost from the council.
The park near Thornton Heath has been slowly deteriorating for years.
And earlier this year, parents and children started a campaign to “save our playground”.
They claimed that instead of fixing equipment, Croydon council was just removing it when it broke, including the ladder to a slide making it a hazard for kids.
In October, father-of-two Dan Green said: “The only way up the slide is to climb up it. My daughter fell and smashed her face. When I told the council this, they responded.
“In 2020, the council said there was money available which was allocated to this playground and six others in the borough, they said they are still intending to do something but parts keep being removed.
“It used to be really well used, but now it is becoming like a bit of ghetto playground.”
Consultation started at the weekend when locals were given a chance to look at plans for the park.
Initial plans include new swing sets and play areas for younger and older children.
Other parks set to benefit from an upgrade are, Addington Park, Northwood Road Playground, Ashburton Park, and Northborough Road Playground.
The council also plans on spending £100,000 to improve safety and repair play equipment at other parks in Croydon.
Councillor Muhammad Ali, cabinet member for sustainable Croydon said: “I would like to encourage families across the borough to take the time to get involved in the engagement process so they can be a part of designing a fun and accessible community space to be enjoyed for years to come.”
Work is expected to start next spring and be completed by the summer.
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