Crowds gathered in Godshill this morning (Sunday) to witness the opening of the village’s new accessible play park.
Some 9 years in the making, the playground – located on Central Mead in the village – was unveiled at an unofficial ceremony attended by around 100 people.
The brainchild of local resident Nikki Collinson-Phenix, the idea was born back in 2015 when Nikki spoke to a local mother who expressed the difficulty she had in taking her disabled child to a playground.
The project had secured Lottery Funding but back in 2022 – during the COVID-19 pandemic – funding criteria changed and the funds were withdrawn. It was only Back in May, that Island Echo revealed that funding was back in place thanks to a large anonymous donation.
With the original planning permission soon to expire, works on the play park had to begin quickly with local business K.R. Rann Groundworks & Construction called into to complete the build, working alongside Nikki and Godshill Parish Council every step of the way.
Those involved in building the structure worked round the clock, no matter the weather, to get things finished in time.
The new play park boasts numerous attractions including; a toddler only area, main park, zip-line, wide slide, wheelchair accessible roundabout and the Island’s first wheelchair swing.
Addressing the crowds who had gathered to watch, Nikki thanked all the people and organisations/businesses who had helped and supported the project along the way.
Speaking to Island Echo, Nikki said:
“I’m battle-fatigued I can’t lie but I’m so very excited. I can’t quite believe it, I’m a little emotional if I’m honest.
“After 9 years you wonder if it will ever happen, but now we’re looking at it it’s amazing. I hope that it sets a precedent so that other Island playgrounds can become more accessible.”
“The core team have stuck with us throughout, but the biggest thanks is to our anonymous donors because you can have the permission and the vision and the idea but if you don’t have the money you can’t make things happen.
“After losing the lottery bid we hoped for a miracle, and that is what we got.”
A path has been installed so that each section of the playground is easily accessible and a small wheelchair parking zone has been created also.
Great idea, worth every penny.
Well done to all involved making this happen.