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Ortons: Kids are going nuts for their new play area
YOUNGSTERS who designed a new £50,000 play area in Orton Goldhay are set to go nuts when their plans come to fruition.
YOUNGSTERS who designed a new 50,000 play area in Orton Goldhay are set to go nuts when their plans come to fruition.Construction work on the new Peanut Park adventure playground, in Riseholme, Orton Goldhay, Peterborough, has just begun and it is set to be fully open in April.
The design work and the funky name were created by the very people intended to use it - the neighbourhood's youngsters.
During a range of meetings with architects over the past five months, a team of eight youngsters - led by Cross Keys Homes' young people's service - designed two areas, one aimed for eight to 13 year-olds and another for those aged 13 and over.
Ashleigh Wallis (12), of Riseholme, who helped to design Peanut Park, said: "I think it will be really good because there are barely any good parks in the area.
"The best bit is the name. We all like the equipment called The Peanut, which is like a swing you stand on, and we thought it would be funny if it we called it that. I enjoyed doing it and I'll enjoy using the park."
The idea for the park has come from Cross Keys Homes' southern area panel as part of its flagship project to keep children off the streets of Ortons.
The housing association has also stumped up the initial 50,000 to get the scheme underway.
Financial support has also come from a host of other agencies including Hinchcliffe and Neighbourhood Tenants' and Residents' Association (HANTRA), who contributed 3,000, and Mears who have given 1,500 and are building the park for free.
Cross Keys Homes' director of operations, Claire Higgins said: "We are delighted to be developing this facility which we hope will provide young people with an exciting place to be safe while having fun."
Peanut Park is being built on land next to St John's Church of England Primary School, which is jointly owned by the Diocese and Peterborough City Council.
Unlike most parks in the city, the play area will be surrounded by a fence so it is only open outside normal school hours.
Business and innovation manager of the school Simon Hollingswoth said: "It is important that through community partnerships we provide a range of opportunities to children.
"This project is delivering exactly that. This project would not have happened without the shared vision, enthusiasm and support from all those involved."
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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