Woodmancote Community Space and Playpark

The environment

The project included enhancing and increasing the amount of accessible green space, encouraging people to sit and enjoy the rural environment. Environmental features we have introduced include: beech hedging, planters, bug hotel and log stack and shrubs, and we have removed a large area of tarmac and reinstated a turfed event space. A final action is to plant native trees within the space over the coming weeks.

The local economy

Whilst we cannot claim to have helped the local economy - as we are a small rural community with no commercial facilities - the project has necessitated employing local tradesmen to erect new fencing and gates, adapt the metal shelter, and deliver the ongoing maintenance of the greens space and surrounding hedging.

Volunteering, jobs & education

We had a large volunteer programme to enhance the space once all the play and fitness equipment had been installed. The volunteer team, aged from 4 and 90 built and installed timber pergolas, picnic benches, hardstanding seating areas, painting, and laid over 160m2 of turf, which then had to be watered by other volunteers over a protracted dry period to ensure its establishment. It looks amazing!

Activity, health and leisure

In line with our project vision, the installation, particularly of the trim trail equipment and adult fitness area with street gym, has definitely increased usage by teenagers, adults, and older villagers. Overall usage of the park's facilities has increased greatly and future events, including a summer fete, will showcase the space to more people in the wider community. The improved environment of the park and the increased areas for seating is encouraging people to meet and socialise.