A COALVILLE mum, who was determined to get new play equipment installed in the town’s park, has seen her dream become a reality thanks to a mammoth two-year fundraising effort.
Sandra Ramp started her campaign to get new park equipment installed at Coalville Park two years ago.
Video: North West Leicestershire District Council
After setting up the campaign group ‘Friends of Coalville Park’, along with her friend Amy Shepherd, she went on to raise £73,000 to make her dream a reality, with the help of funding from Veolia and the support of North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC).
Last week, a toddler area, balance trail, swings, zip line and a wheelchair accessible roundabout for children with disabilities, were installed at the park, which sits on London Road.
An information board about the history of the park has also been installed and a strong mining theme features throughout the new design.
“I’m absolutely delighted to see the finished result. It looks amazing, and I just can’t believe that it’s come true after so many hours of work that has gone into it,” said Mrs Ramp, a mum-of-two.
“It’s so lovely to see all the kids enjoying it, having fun, and I hope it will last for many many years to come,” she added.
“A long time ago I sketched out an idea for the play area and stuck it on my fridge! It was my dream to create an accessible, inclusive safe play area that would cater for a greater age range and diversity.
“To now see all that hard work finally real and ready for all the community to enjoy brings a tear to my eye. I can honesty say it is one of my proudest achievements, and I can’t thank all those who have helped along the journey enough.”
Councillor Andrew Woodman, portfolio holder for services at NWLDC, praised the efforts of Sandra and the Friends of Coalville Park, for their dedication to the cause over the past two years.
“The old play area looked tired, and the equipment was out of date and needed modernising,” he said.
“A huge thank you to Sandra and the rest of The Friends of Coalville Park for driving these changes to the play area and bringing it up to the standards of the rest of the park.”
