New ‘much needed’ playground opens in time for Christmas

A new £167,000 playground has opened in Lewisham Park, just in time for Christmas.

Damien Egan, the mayor of Lewisham, was joined by a Year 3 class from St Mary’s Primary School and residents from Lewisham Park Crescent Residents’ Association (LPCRA) to open the playground in Ladywell with an exciting new range of play equipment.

Lewisham councillors James-J Walsh, Laura Cunningham and Bill Brown also attended the opening of the new playground that is an investment from Section 106 and NCIL funds to upgrade the popular park.

Alison Munro, the chairwoman of the LPCRA, said: “The residents’ association realised that local children really needed a new playground so we consulted with local families and the children at St Mary’s School to find out what they wanted, sought funding and then liaised with the council to ensure that we got a playground that the children would love.

“We live in a diverse community and it’s wonderful to have an exciting new play area in Lewisham Park to bring children and families together.

“It’s already a great success and residents enjoy seeing the joy on the faces of children trying the new equipment. There are already many more families using this superb local park.”

The launch had a festive theme with walking Christmas tree mascots, giant candy canes, goodie bags, Christmas hats and lots of hot chocolate and marshmallows for the children to enjoy.

New equipment at the park includes a You and Me swing, a timber agility trail, a basket swing for all abilities, sound, light and touch play panels, bug magnifiers and a new sensory path. There’s also a new climbing frames with two towers, a bridge and spider net plus a fairy tale throne.

Cllr Egan said: “I’m excited to see these fantastic new playground facilities now finished and in use at Lewisham Park. This is a brilliant example of the community coming together and thank you to all the local residents who have helped with this project.

“Outdoor space is so vital for children and for all our residents, particularly in areas where many families do not have their own gardens.

“We have targeted Section 106 and NCIL funding to parts of our borough that need it the most. We hope all the children living near Lewisham Park will enjoy this playground for years to come.”

Pictured top: Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, Cllr James-J Walsh, Cllr Laura Cunningham and Cllr Bill Brown, Ladywell Ward councillors, with pupils from Year 3 at St Mary’s Primary School and residents from Lewisham Park Crescent Residents’ Association (Picture: Tariq Chaudry)