The Steven Jenkins Rainbow Playground in Sandown has been officially re-opened this week thanks to the efforts of Sandown Town Council, Morrisons, Wicksteed and Steven’s family.
At the end of 2017, the playground – which was first opened in 2001 in memory of 6-year-old Steven who sadly died in 1999 – was closed over health and safety fears.
The closure of the gates led to local company HydroMar coming forward to offer their assistance in getting the park re-open. With extra support from Sandown Town Council, who helped with replacing the safety flooring and purchasing paint, the memorial playground was reopened in June last year.
It was 12 months ago that fundraising efforts began to replace an accessibility-friendly piece of play equipment. Over £6,000 had been raised when Morrisons in Lake stepped forward to donate a staggering £48,000 to buy the special apparatus at a discounted rate from suppliers, Wicksteed. The money was donated as part of the store’s extension, which saw the playground selected as Morrisons’ Community Project for 2018/2019.
It that wasn’t enough… Sandown Town Council stepped forward and offered to purchase 2 additional new pieces of play equipment using a VAT refund. This means that Steven’s playground now boasts 3 new pieces of equipment which are hoped to last the next 15-25 years.
The park was officially re-opened by Mayor Gary Young yesterday lunchtime (Thursday). Town Crier John Davies shouted Oyez Oyez before proclaiming the park open in front of the gathered crowds.
Looking for things to do with the kids on the Isle of Wight? Check out our feature for great day out ideas - https://www.islandecho.co.uk/a-day-out-with-the-kids-on-the-isle-of-wight/.
