Friends of Pratts Bottom Common have revealed the latest additions to the Common playground following a £20,000 upgrade with funding from the council’s Platinum Jubilee Parks Fund.
The Friends of Pratts Bottom Common, along with Bromley Council’s greenspace contractor idverde, have completed the:
- installation of a new climbing frame with a slide, and new surrounding surfacing
- installation of two new springers and new surrounding surfacing and the
- removal of the old wooden stagecoach climbing frame
The new play equipment was unveiled on 12 September by Peter Hudson, on behalf of the Friends of Pratts Bottom Common, with support from pupils from Pratts Bottom Primary school, with Headteacher Mrs. Abigail Carter and Councillor Jonathan Andrews, Darwin Ward Councillor also attending.
Peter Hudson said, “We are so pleased that the Jubilee Funds have helped us improve our Common’s playground. This new equipment, along with the removal of the climbing frame, has made a difference and has given the playground new life. We are always on the lookout for new members to join our Friends group and conserve and protect the Common. If you would like to join us, we would be very interested in hearing from you.”
Councillor Aisha Cuthbert, Executive Councillor for Environment said, “This is yet another brilliant example of everyone coming together to achieve something which will benefit so many children. I know there is a lot of hard work involved in this and a big thank you to Friends of Pratts Bottom Common for creating this outstanding play area. It is great to see students from Pratts Bottom Primary School involved too.”
As part of the project, the Friends are also using part of their £500 contribution to establish a wildflower meadow at the entrance to the playground, in conjunction with Pratts Bottom Primary School and idverde. A painting volunteer day was also held by the group to paint the original equipment not being replaced.
Residents who want to join the Friends of Pratts Bottom Common group are encouraged to visit their website.
Bromley Council’s Platinum Jubilee Parks Fund has so far supported 33 of the borough’s parks with over £468,000 committed towards conservation and improvement work.
Ends
Notes to editors:
- The £1million of funding for Bromley’s Parks supports proposals for a range of enhancements across the borough, including improvements to play areas, enhancements to the natural beauty of public gardens, or biodiversity and upgrading facilities.
- Applications for the Platinum Jubilee Parks Fund were invited for up to £40,000 of funding available for each ward with a ceiling of £20,000 for each proposal, a wide variety of additional applications are expected over the lifetime of the fund.
For media enquiries, please contact Justin Brown, Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8461 7872 or email justin.brown@bromley.gov.uk