Children are enjoying improved playparks thanks to a £100,000 investment by South Kesteven District Council.
They are Arnoldfield Play Area on Gonerby Road, Grantham; Highgrove Gardens on Empingham Road, Stamford; Wild Witham Play Area in South Witham; and Dysart Park, Grantham.
All of them benefited from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is Government funding given to projects which can be shown to support the whole community.
Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Paul Stokes, who is also Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “We are pleased to be investing in our beautiful parks and urban play areas across South Kesteven, as we make them more fun, safe and accessible for everyone.
“The latest programme focuses on replacing existing play equipment that has reached the end of its serviceable life.
“We want to encourage more children and families to enjoy everything these areas have to offer, bringing them closer to nature in an outdoor environment where they can play and socialise.
“The Council continues to invest in services and facilities across the four towns to ensure residents in every part of the district can enjoy free and accessible open air play.”
SKDC has separately invested more than £68,000 for repairs and/or new equipment at 14 play areas district-wide. They are:
- Andrew Road, Stamford
- Arnoldfield, Grantham
- Churchfield Close, Deeping St James
- Elizabeth Road, Stamford
- Foxglove Road, Stamford
- Harrowby Lane, Grantham
- Manor Close, Langtoft
- Princess Drive, Grantham
- Dysart Park, Grantham
- Queen Elizabeth Park, Grantham
- Wellhead, Bourne
- Kesteven Drive, Deepings
- Hornsby Road, Grantham
- Wyndham Park, Grantham
A further £35,000 of work, paid for separately by developers as part of their social responsibilities, has given a new lease of life to the Wellhead Play Area in Bourne (pictured).
This has brought about the removal of an old wooden fort and entrance gate to be replaced with a multi play unit, roundabout, somersault bars, springer bowl, spinner, and a single easy gate.
- SKDC Ward Councillors Rhys Baker, Emma Baker and Paul Fellows at the Wellhead Park in Bourne
Breakdown of the £100,000 UKSPF allocation
- Arnoldfield – re-instatement of zipwire and nest swing previously removed for safety - £24,683
- Highgrove Gardens – replacement of the embankment slide, toddler slide and double flat seat by swing – £24,620
- Wild Witham Play Area – re-instatement of double flat seat swing and nest swing – £10,696
- Dysart Park – installation of additional fitness equipment and older children’s play equipment, with a £10,000 financial contribution from the Rotary Club of Grantham (more information https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/news/2025/ps40000-park-equipment-upgrade-work-due-begin-thanks-rotary-grant) – £40,000
FCC Communities, Rotary Club of Grantham and SKDC
Beeden Park Play Area refurbishment, Grantham – previously reported – made possible to £100,000 from FCC Communities Foundation, £5,000 from the Rotary Club of Grantham, and £21,500 from SKDC: Total value £126,570. Details: https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/news/2024/play-park-re-opens-fun-day-children