A £100,000 new play area is opening on Howdale Park in Downham Market
Local well-being coach, Frances Rayner, had been working with the local community and the Friends of Howdale Play Area to get ideas and funding for the site.
After hearing more about what she was trying to achieve, the borough council supported her to apply for £50,000 funding from money given to it for community projects by developers.
The council also agreed an additional £50,000 to pay for the whole scheme.
Frances said: “I am so grateful to the council for the way in which they have supported our ambition and helped us to create this scheme in such a short space of time. Without their help this would never have happened.
“The community is absolutely thrilled to bits that we have not only been able to get a new play area but it has happened so fast – from my first conversation with the council leader it isn’t even a year.”
Graham Middleton, deputy borough council leader, said: “Howdale is council land that is used for the benefit of people in Downham Market. When we became aware of what the Friends of Howdale Play Area were trying to do we promptly agreed to support them, and our officers designed and procured the scheme.
“This resulted in us being able to deliver, within a year, a scheme that otherwise would have required several years of ambitious fundraising.
“It’s delivering a free outdoor space for children that is safe and stimulating, which we know is vital for development and wellbeing. It’s also on people’s doorsteps, which means they don’t need to get in the car to enjoy it.
