Chesterfield residents launch campaign to replace 'unsafe' playground

A group of Chesterfield residents have launched a campaign to build a new children's playground after their former community facilities were demolished.
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Parents in the Brockwell area are aiming to raise enough money to pay for a revamp of Badger Park after its playground was unable to reopen following the first national lockdown in the spring.

The popular play area was 27-years-old and failed safety regulations, so was unable to reopen when other parks began welcoming children again this summer.

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Chesterfield Borough Council demolished the playground after investigtions deemed it ‘unsafe’, and Councillor Katherine Hollingworth, who represents Brockwell ward, put a plea out to the community to start a Friends of Badger Park group.

Residents in Brockwell, Chesterfield, who have launched a campaign for a new play area.Residents in Brockwell, Chesterfield, who have launched a campaign for a new play area.
Residents in Brockwell, Chesterfield, who have launched a campaign for a new play area.

The aim of the group is to raise £5,000 through fundraising and grant applications and then apply for match funding to a total of £50,000, which will cover all ground work, building and play equipment for the new playground.

Martine O’Neill, secretary of the Friends of Badger Park, said that although the previous playground was ‘neglected’, children ‘still flocked to play and meet on it’.

“Brockwell is one of the largest wards in Chesterfield with a high volume of children and teenagers, now with nowhere to go locally,” Martine said.

The Friends of Badger Park at Brockwell, Chesterfield, are raising money for a new playground.The Friends of Badger Park at Brockwell, Chesterfield, are raising money for a new playground.
The Friends of Badger Park at Brockwell, Chesterfield, are raising money for a new playground.
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"Playgrounds offer a community base that is outside and free. The field also links Newbold and Brockwell but now lies barren. However, it carries so much potential for both wards.”

Martine said the reaction from the community had been ‘amazing’ – especially as the group was formed against the backdrop of the pandemic.

“We recently partnered with Chesterfield in Bloom and planted 5,000 daffodil bulbs with help from the local community,” she added.

"It was so heart-warming to see toddlers and family groups all get stuck in to make their neighbourhood a more vibrant place.

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"Behind the scenes we've got leaflet droppers, poster makers, school collaborators, grant writers and word of mouthers.

“Our next task is an online raffle in time for Christmas so we're appealing to local businesses to help us with the all-important prizes.”

For more information, and to support the Friends group, visit their Facebook page. Donations can also be made here.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.