Parents launch campaign to raise £120,000 to refurbish run-down Northampton village playground

A campaign has been launched to raise £120,000 to refurbish a run-down playground in a village near Northampton

Much of the equipment at Kislingbury Playing Fields is broken beyond repair, there is no soft floor underneath the facilities and the rest of the ground is uneven and gets boggy in the winter.

So a group of parents and Kislingbury Playing Field Association have teamed up to design a new play area, raise the money and eventually build it.

Lauren Humber, from the group, wrote on the fundraising page: "Because of Covid, this playground is more important than ever to us and our children so we would really like to see it improved."

The play area was build alongside the sports areas in the 1970s with villager funding and much of the equipment has never been replaced.

Unlike most village playing fields, it is not governed or run by a parish council so the association has to raise its own funds to maintain and improve the facilities.

At the end of last year, the campaigners asked the village what they would like to see changed and improved and they have been working with a design company to bring those ideas to life.

Lauren added: "Once we have reached the £120,000 we will be removing all the old equipment and recycling the metal where possible. Next we will be levelling the ground and reseeding.

"Once the grass is growing we will be providing rubber matting/landing areas for all the equipment to be installed. We will be installing modern equipment suitable for all age groups.

"Finally we will be improving the wooded areas to make better use of that space, creating a natural play area, improving the fencing so it is more secure and providing bins and more seating for parents and guardians."

To donate, visit crowdfunder.co.uk/kislingbury-playground.