Awsworth playground equipment gets £20,000 upgrade
Awsworth Council has been able to install new and accessible playground equipment in two local parks thanks to a £20,000 UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) grant.
The Lane Recreation Ground and Shilo Recreation Ground are both solely managed, maintained, and refurbished by the parish council, and due to funding being spent on repairing play equipment due to wear and tear and vandalism, neither park has seen new equipment for some time.
New toddler-friendly equipment was installed at the Lane Recreation Ground, which is frequently used by students from Awsworth Primary School and Awsworth School House Day Nursery. Repairs were also made to large areas of wet pour – the rubber safety surface.
Shilo Recreation Ground gained a new, larger trampoline, which is suitable for wheelchair users.
The project also introduced a trim trail featuring five sections of engaging challenges.
The UKSPF grant has allowed the popular playgrounds to continue to be used and enjoyed by local children, preventing the need to partially or fully close the areas due to unsafe equipment.
Coun Milan Radulovic (Brox Ind), Broxtowe Council leader and portfolio holder for asset management and development, said: “Playgrounds are such an important part of our local communities and are a great way for our children to exercise, get outside, and to socialise and play with others.
“Thankfully, through the UKSPF, we have been able to provide fantastic new apparatus for Awsworth Council, helping to keep kids playing for years to come.”
Hayley Holt, Awsworth Council clerk, added: “As we manage and maintain both recreation grounds in Awsworth ourselves, our successful UKSPF grant application was a great boost, to ensure our play areas remain a safe and fun space for our residents.”
The UKSPF is providing £25.17m of funding for local investment across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in 2025-26 with Awsworth Council getting £20,000.
This funding, distributed by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), aims to boost pride in place and increase life chances in the region.
The investment will focus on supporting communities and businesses, as well as developing skills for individuals.