Funding brings park project to life
There’s now something for everyone to enjoy at the beautifully reimagined and refurbished North Petherton Memorial Playing Field.
Following an £80,000 grant from the HPC Community Fund, the site has become a real draw for the local community.
The ageing playing field now features a modern children’s play area and gym equipment for adults. There’s also a 400-metre multipurpose track and ‘Trim Trail’ with equipment for running and keeping fit, a multi-use games area, and a planted area where families can meet, relax and while away the time. A community built boules pitch is also planned.
Val Bishop, Programmes Director at Somerset Community Foundation, said: “It is well known that getting outside in nature, or spending time at a park or any green space, has many mental health benefits. We are delighted that our grant supported this wonderful new integrated leisure space, which is for local people of all ages and abilities.”
Peter Farnell, who project managed the revamp for North Petherton Playing Field Trust, added: “The previous park was very old fashioned. Local people and community groups were consulted on their ideas for the space. Now it’s a fantastic place for everyone, from little kids to adults working out and sitting taking it all in. There’s a real community buzz.”
“I recently visited the Memorial Playing Field for the first time with my daughter and two little granddaughters. We totally loved it and returned the next day. It's brilliant! Even more amazing than it looks. There was such a lovely atmosphere; I thought it was wonderful. What an asset!”
Local mum and grandmother