Work is expected to start on building a brand new and inclusive playground in Grange Park, Old Coulsdon, on 18th July 2016. The work is expected to take around 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the prevailing weather conditions.

The Friends of Grange Park, Old Coulsdon (the ‘Friends’) can now unveil the final design for the playground, produced by Proludic Limited, who have worked closely with the Friends over the last two years to develop a design which responds to the ideas generated by the community during the Friends’ extensive consultation carried out in Autumn 2014.

The official opening of the new playground will take place on 10th September. This will be the same day as this year's Old Coulsdon Rotary Village Fair, so it will be a true village celebration. However, children will be able to enjoy the new facilities as soon as work finishes. Further details of the official opening to be announced.

In addition to their own significant fundraising efforts, the Friends have been awarded a £50,000 grant from Biffa Award, a multi-million pound fund that helps to build communities and transform lives through awarding grants to community and environmental projects across the UK as part of the Landfill Communities Fund.

London Marathon Charitable Trust has awarded £19,999, as part of their long-term commitment to capital projects which inspire local communities to get active and take part in sports and exercise. Since 1981, the London Marathon Charitable Trust has awarded more than £62 million in grants to more than 1,130 projects in London and other areas where London Marathon Events Ltd organises events.

Macquarie Group Foundation has also given substantial funding towards the project; they provide support to community organisations globally each year through financial support, volunteering and skills sharing, predominantly in the locations in which Macquarie Group operates.

This is a true grass roots campaign. The whole community has united behind the Friends in their ambition to renovate the 25-year- old severely dilapidated playground. The community are the architects behind the new design; ideas generated by 150 school aged children in a ‘design your dream playground’ competition led to an innovative theme based on the local heritage and landscape, including Kenley Airfield and the River Bourne. 

Inclusivity is also a hallmark of the design, which will achieve PIPA status - the government endorsed accreditation of an inclusive playground.

Hannah Price-Harries, Vice-Chairman of the Friends said: "The Friends are very excited that work will soon commence on building this new community asset, which we believe will transform the heart of Old Coulsdon."

Gillian French, Head of Grants at Biffa Award said: "It’s truly inspiring to see how this community have joined together to effect positive change in the local area. This revamped park is an excellent example of how the Landfill Communities Fund can help create fantastic recreational spaces."

Sarah Ridley, London Marathon Charitable Trust’s Chief Grants Officer, said: "The Trust awards grants for capital projects that inspire and increase the numbers of people regularly taking part in physical activities. We are delighted to have provided a grant of £19,999 for the renovation of the playground in Old Coulsdon and we are certain that it will be well used by children of all abilities."

Rachel Engel, Head, Macquarie Group Foundation, Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: "Macquarie is pleased to be able to contribute to this project, supporting the focus and dedication of several of our staff who live in the local area."

Annie Murphy, Leisure and Activities Coordinator at The Children’s Trust, a charity for children with brain injury, said: "We’re really excited about the new playground, it will be a great accessible facility that all children can enjoy."

Edward Handley M.B.E., Chairman of The Croydon Playing Fields said: "The Croydon Playing Fields is delighted to learn that the Friends and residents have raised £100,000 by their own efforts for the children’s play area which had deteriorated very badly."