The idea
The overall project comprises 6 designated zones and this crowdfunding campaign will provide the equipment for Zone 1. We have made funding applications to other grant bodies for the remaining 5 zones.
The project's 6 zones are:
1. Junior/Young Adult Fitness – Primary and Intermediate Trim Trail and teenage/young adult Street Gym;
2. Adult Fitness – cross-trainer and fixed cycle within gated and fenced-off area;
3. Young Children’s Play – existing playhouse, new springer, and nest swing for babies/toddlers/those with disabilities;
4. Older Children’s Play – refurbished swings, multi-functional play tower;
5. Ball Game Park – In this phase, install a football goal and netball hoop. In project phase 2, our vision is to resurface the tarmacked area, apply court markings for multiple ball games.
6. Socialising/sitting – full hard-path accessibility, picnic benches, seating, and herb and perennial planting.
A Skills Pledge is also in place for villagers to help deliver the project.
What we'll deliver
- Primary Trim Trail with a range of challenging elements
- Teenage/Young Adult Street Gym to inspire young people to be outdoors and exercising
- Intermediate Trim Trail Tyre Pass to develop agility, coordination and balance
Why it's a great idea
1. Build and strengthen our community: our village has no facilities and a wide-ranging social demographic. This project is already breaking down barriers and bringing the community together.
2. Promote villagers’ physical and mental wellbeing: a multi-generational space to socialise, play, and exercise will reduce loneliness and improve health outcomes for all.
3. Space for social connections/gatherings: with no publicly accessible playparks within 5 miles, a welcoming outdoor space will also provide a focus for village gatherings.
4. Improved accessibility: hard-path access to this greenfield site for prams/pushchairs/walking aids/wheelchairs, and a swing suitable for all abilities.
5. Promote health and teamwork: by encouraging ball games and team sport.
6. Encouraging community volunteering of time and skills: to help raise funds for the project and deliver elements of the build.
Steps to get it done
- Oct 23 Informal meeting with villagers to explore ides for the development of the playpark Complete
- 14/12/23 Present project plan to North Cerney Parish Council for approval to proceed ‘in principle’ Complete
- Feb 24 Parish Questionnaire closes, review survey results and identify key insights Complete
- Feb/March Identify suppliers and complete supplier design brief. Complete site visits Complete
- 14/03/24 NC Parish Council Meeting – Project Approval to proceed and funding plan Complete
- 03/04/24 Complete review of six supplier designs and quotes. Identify top two Preferred Suppliers Complete
- 05/04/24 Parish Council Extraordinary Meeting – sign off Lease, agree Preferred Suppliers, Design, Funding Apps content
- 10/04/24 Finalise New lease Complete
- 10/04/24 Complete Campaign Launch Video Complete
- 12/04/24 Campaign Launch and fundraising Quiz Night Complete
- 14/04/24 Open Door Session for all villagers to review design and plans Complete
- May 24 Funding Campaign LIVE
- August 24 Funding Campaign closes
- August 24 Preferred Supplier confirmation and contracting
- August 24 Sign off final design and equipment specification
- Sept 24 Readiness and clearance of playground space. Communication to village
- Oct 24 On site build and delivery.
- Nov 24 Build completes and launch event
Community news reaches villagers through a variety of methods including an e-newsletter, our parish magazine Churn News, our Instagram page (Woodmancote Village), and through noticeboards and regular leaflet drops.
The Woodmancote Community Group of volunteers communicate through a WhatsApp group, which helps with organising village-centric activities. It is also an informal neighbourhood alert system.
The Community Group has grown in energy and strength to enable change within our village. Activities include regular litter picks, cleaning and tidying of the bus shelter area, an Easter Egg hunt, planting and care of mangers at the entrance to the village, and planting daffodil bulbs in communal spaces.
Donations and fundraising events such as street parties for the late Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and The King’s Coronation, enabled the purchase and installation of a defibrillator. This illustrates the sense of common purpose that prevails in this vibrant rural community.
