Fun zone for kids officially opens

Deputy Mayor Linda cuts ribbon at £160k play mecca (Credit: EBC)

A new play mecca for children has been officially opened by Erewash’s Deputy Mayor – after the borough council ploughed £160,000 into creating the jungle-themed fun zone.

Thrilled Cllr Linda Burns performed the honours by cutting a ribbon at Wash Meadows – an open space that the people of Ilkeston affectionately refer to as “Johnny’s” park. The name, according to local historians, comes from a scrapyard that stood nearby half a century ago.

The adventure zone next to the town’s Tesco superstore on Rutland Street is designed to be accessible and inclusive – and boasts slides, climbing challenges and interactive play elements. It began welcoming youngsters in March – and has already proved a massive hit with families.

The jungle theme was picked by residents who were presented with two rival designs and flocked to vote for their favourite. Money for the project was secured from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The new and expanded Wash Meadows Play Area replaces a tired playground that was previously there. A basketball court has also been refurbished.

Deputy Mayor Linda, who is the borough councillor for nearby Cotmanhay, said as pupils from Ilkeston’s Chaucer Junior School watched her cut the ribbon: “The park was used by my children when I first moved to Ilkeston – and they are now in their late 40s. It is fantastic that we have now been able to replace the old playground with a stunning design chosen by local people.”

Cllr Josy Hare, who is the council’s Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “This is just the latest terrific upgrade to where children can have fun in the borough. The council is planning yet more thanks to its new Erewash Investment Fund – which is £6.5million that is being ploughed into boosting the borough in all kinds of ways.”

Erewash MP Adam Thompson said in the run-up to the play park being built: “This kind of investment is what it’s all about – no more shattered tarmac and decades-old play equipment – a fun, friendly place for children to play and which local families can enjoy together.”

One local who regularly takes her grandchildren to the new playground said: “They love it. It’s lovely to see it being used like it is.”

Another whose grandson and niece are fans said: “It’s really good.” Other comments online have hailed it as “brilliant” and “lovely”.

A mum who has made repeated trips with her little ones told how it always seemed to be busy – adding: “My five and two-year-olds love it!”

One of the Chaucer pupils at the opening was Bertie, who is a member of the 2nd Ilkeston Scouts. Joanna Feasby, regional manager of playground equipment contractor HAGS, presented him with a £100 Ikea voucher for the troop to use. Scout leader Andrew Girvan, who works as a community activator for the council, said: “We will be using it to buy pots, pans and other camping equipment.”

Similar sums have been donated by the company to the 4th Ilkeston Scouts plus two other good causes – Erewash’s Arena food bank and the local arm of the P3 housing charity.