A new playground has been handed over to Maidendale Nursery, part of Firthmoor & District Community Association, in Darlington today.
The imaginative playground is based on Darlington and includes shops, an outdoor stage, a beautifully detailed train station and a market hall, complete with a mini replica of Darlington’s Town Clock.
This is the second project of its kind, spearheaded by local MP Peter Gibson, who hopes projects such as these can continue into the future. This playground will be used by Maidendale Nursery and local children who use the Firthmoor & District Community Association services.
Redde Northgate generously donated to this second project and also invited staff to volunteer on the project to help build the playground. Harry Hill & Friends have also kindly donated to this project following their involvement on the Corporation Road Primary School playground project.
Other volunteers on the project included local councillors, Darlington Rotary Club members, staff from EE and young people from Salerno Training.
Darlington MP Peter Gibson said: “This is our second playground project this year and again the level of support from across Darlington has been overwhelming. Redde Northgate have kindly donated to the project again and offered staff the opportunity to support in building the playground.
“It has been lovely to see some new faces on this project and I am delighted that staff from EE have been able to join us.”
Cllr Jonathan Dulston, Deputy Leader of Darlington Borough Council said: “I am delighted that the council has been able to support this project as it sits firmly within our commitment of levelling up communities right across the town.
“This investment will be a fantastic area for children to grow and develop alongside being utilised by the council in supporting local families with the intervention work we do. A massive thank you to all of the generous donors who have made this possible.”
Rachael Lowes, Head of Children & Young People at Firthmoor & District Community Association said, “We are absolutely delighted to be part of this project and can't thank the team of volunteers enough for the positive impact this is going to make. Not only on the inset but for the future also.
“The children within the nursery deserve this so much and it is a delight to see their faces light up as they explore the new garden. This will have so much learning and development interaction from the start and we look forward to also incorporating this with our local community.”
Martin Ward, CEO of Redde Northgate Plc added: “We are delighted to have supported this fantastic opportunity to create a mini town playground for Maidendale Nursery, part of Firthmoor & District Community Association. This is a great way for Redde Northgate to become involved and support our community.
“Seeing the look of delight on the faces of children and hearing what a difference it makes to them on past projects has inspired us to do more. Well done to all those that participated and to those that are leading this wonderful initiative.”