YOUNGSTERS at a Finchampstead Primary School can now balance and swing their way through lunchtimes, thanks to new play equipment installed in their playground.
The new adventure play area at Nine Mile Ride Primary School has a range of items suitable for KS1 children, and was given the thumbs up by pupils at an opening ceremony.
The all wooden equipment includes a train, swings, a climbing frame, and balancing ropes.
A year ago, a fallen tree meant that previous play items had to be dismantled, and over the winter months the site was cordoned off.
During that time, the school explored how to replace the playground, drawing up designs, and consulting the children.
Thanks to financial support from three organisations, work has been completed, and the playground was unveiled at a playful ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday.
The project cost almost £30,000, and has been made possible thanks to substantial grants from three borough funding organisations.
Friends of Nine Mile Ride PTA, and Finchampstead Parish Council, have both contributed £10,000 with Wokingham United Charities granting the remaining £9,670.
Simon Weeks, chair of Finchampstead Parish Council, said: “It’s fantastic – I was almost tempted to have a go on it myself.”
Friends of Nine Mile Ride PTA chair, Sarah Hill, commented: “We’re really excited about this new equipment, and hope that current Key Stage 1 children, and many children in the future will enjoy using it.”
The chair of the Board of Trustees at Wokingham United Charities agreed.
Jane Holloway said: “We’re delighted that we can support one of our local schools.
“It’s lovely to come here today and see what our funding has done for Nine Mile Ride School.”
Children thanked all three organisations, before being given the go-ahead to try out the new playground.
They needed no prompting.
Headteacher Mr Whitaker, said: “It’s amazing that this equipment has been installed so quickly.
“It couldn’t have happened without the help and support we’ve had from these three organisations.
“Heartfelt thanks go to them from all the KS1 children, and from the entire school.
“This area has been looking rather miserable over the winter, but now playtimes are going to be quite special.”
Now we have more age-appropriate play items for our 162 KS1 children to enjoy during break and lunchtime play, as well as storytelling areas that can be used during the school day.
“A big thank you to everyone who contributed to the project, and to our children who helped with the designs and gave advice on the placing of equipment.
“The children absolutely love the playground – it’s revolutionised this space.
“Of course I love it too – that’s my chair in the corner, with the toadstool seats.
“I’ll be holding meetings there when no-one’s looking.”
For more information, visit: www.ninemileride.co.uk www.finchampstead-pc.gov.uk www.ninemileride.co.uk and wokinghamunitedcharities.org.uk
