Play Park Plans

PPC Annual Parish Council Meeting Update

Since the formation of the Gedney Hill Parish Council (GHPC) Play Park Committee (PPC) on 1st October 2024, the PPC and Working Group (WG) have made significant progress towards delivering the Play Park Project.

In October 2024, the team was keen to ensure the project reflected the needs and wishes of local residents. Volunteers delivered paper questionnaires to households across Gedney Hill, while an online feedback form was also made available. These methods enabled us to gather valuable data on what residents would like to see at the park, who would be likely to use it and any concerns the community had. This feedback laid a strong foundation for the next steps of the project.

The team then made enquiries with various park providers to create designs for the park. Thanks to the consultations, these providers were given a brief and asked to prepare their designs for review. These efforts culminated in a "Plan and Play Day" in December, where villagers could vote on their preferred design, share their views and raise any concerns. This event also served as a fundraiser, successfully raising approximately £550.

The community’s favourite design came from Wicksteed Leisure, which fully met the brief and was reasonably priced. In response, the PPC compiled a comprehensive 30-page informational booklet and procurement analysis, evaluating the available options. This was presented to the Parish Council, who approved proceeding with the Wicksteed design for the main play area. The PPC also included additional features requested by the community, such as football goals, benches and bins, to be sourced separately from the Wicksteed quote.

In January, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) announced a Flash Fund opportunity. The PPC and WG promptly submitted a successful application to fund football goals and benches. The team organised and managed the installation of these much-needed facilities, which received highly positive public feedback and are now in regular use. The PPC also carries out weekly checks to ensure the equipment remains safe and in good condition.

Originally, we had planned to apply to the National Lottery’s Reaching Communities Fund in January 2025 to cover the cost of the Wicksteed design. However, due to updated application criteria, the National Lottery advised us to wait until April before submitting our proposal.

March and April were focused on preparing and submitting our planning application (which will be submitted this week), completing further grant applications, including to Grange Wind Farm for a picnic games table, and submitting our main application to the National Lottery for the Wicksteed design. During this time, the team were also busy organising Gedney Hill’s "Party in the Park".

We expect an initial decision from the National Lottery by 12th August (within 16 weeks). The Grange Wind Farm funding round closes on 1st June, with outcomes expected shortly afterwards. While we are within the ten mile boundary for this grant, we understand that it prioritises applications within a five mile radius, however, we believe there’s no harm in trying.

Gedney Hill’s "Party in the Park" took place on Bank Holiday Monday, 5th May, and was a resounding success. The PPC and WG did an outstanding job of planning and delivering the event, which was very well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by the community. Importantly, it also raised approximately £1,000 towards the park project, demonstrating that community fundraising can help sustain future park maintenance.

For those unable to attend, the event featured a field full of stalls offering food, drinks, crafts, bouncy castles, a fire engine and more. The PPC and WG ran the raffle, tombola, tea and coffee stand, plant stall, scavenger hunt and a popular dog show. Visitors were invited to purchase wildflower seeds to sow in the specially prepared area, helping to contribute to both the park and local wildlife.

The day included a fun dog show in the main arena from 11:30am to 1:00pm, while “have-a-go” dog agility was available throughout the day in the back ring. At 1:00pm, Dusty Seagulls performed a fantastic live music set, followed by a captivating flying display by Fens Falconry. Dusty Seagulls then returned to the stage to close the event with more singing and dancing.

We are deeply grateful to Dusty Seagulls, Fens Falconry, Andrew and Carol Dicker (for the dog agility) and Stemgineering with Nick (who ran Lego activities on the Plan and Play Day) all of whom generously donated their time and equipment free of charge. Their support exemplifies the incredible community spirit that has grown around this project.

The Play Park Project has truly brought out the best in people, inspiring volunteers, donors and residents alike to work together towards a shared goal that will benefit generations to come.

Next Steps

Following the Parish Council meeting this evening, the Working Group will meet to discuss upcoming fundraising opportunities, future grant applications, and recommendations on where to allocate the funds raised during Party in the Park.