More cash for playgrounds as skate park opens

Funding has been announced for improvements to playgrounds after a new skate park opened in Grantham.

South Kesteven District Council said it would spend £250,000 on replacing swings, springs, seesaws and climbers in the town.

Playgrounds in Stamford, Morton and Market Deeping are also in line to benefit from the cash.

It follows the official opening of Grantham skate park, located in Wyndham Park, on Thursday, following a £125,000 project to bring skateboarding and roller sports back to the town for the first time in more than a decade.

Playgrounds due for a makeover include:

• Harrowby Lane, Dysart Park, Wyndham Park and Queen Elizabeth Park in Grantham
• Andrew Road, Empingham Road and Elizabeth Road in Stamford
• The Crescent in Morton
• Kesteven Drive in Market Deeping

Councillor Paul Stokes, the cabinet member for leisure and culture at the council, said new play equipment, including a multi-use games court, was due to be installed at Harrowby Lane by the middle of March, with the park closed to enable the work.

"The plans look very exciting and I can't wait to see everything in place," he said.

The new skate park in Wyndham Park accommodates skateboarders, roller skaters and bladers, as well as BMX bikers and scooter riders of all ages and abilities.

It was built after a 12-year-old boy, Zak, lobbied the council and helped with a funding bid.

Stokes said the official opening was a "very proud moment" for the council.

"We know it's very much in demand and is being well-used by some very enthusiastic skaters," he added.

Free skateboard workshops and street art sessions will run at Grantham skate park on 19 February at 11:00, 11:45, 12:45 and 13:30 GMT.

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