The Big Lottery Fund has awarded £280,106 over three years after a bid by Mansfield District Council and local community groups, which will go towards teams of 'play rangers' and three new play areas.
Said Coun Eddie Smith, portfolio holder for th
e environment: "I am thrilled that the bid has been a success and I would like to pay tribute both to the council officers involved in putting it together, but especially to the community groups from throughout the district who have given up a lot of their own time to gather the information for these bids.
"In many of our communities there is a dire need for improved facilities and activities for young people and this bid goes in some way towards meeting that need.
"In turn we hope this will have a positive impact in terms of reducing anti-social behaviour and improving health amongst young people."
Nearly £120,000 of the funds will provide two teams of play rangers who will work across the district delivering play opportunities in parks and housing estates.
Around £70,000 of the cash will create a new multi-use games area at Church Warsop, which will be built alongside existing facilities at Wood Lane and £19,000 is to provide an adventure play trail and multi-sports equipment in the area next to Ladybrook Place in Mansfield.
A further £50,000 will go towards a proposed new skate park at Fisher Park in Mansfield, which is expected to cost £120,000 in total and is being spearheaded by a committee of six young people.
The project has had contributions from around 100 young people and the committee is now seeking further funding to bring the plans to life.
The full article contains 312 words and appears in Mansfield Chad newspaper.
