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.
