A NEW play area for children with special needs has opened in Chippenham.
On Friday, Springboard Chippenham’s new outdoor play area had its ribbon cutting ceremony with charity patron Marchioness of Lansdowne.
The refurbished play area now includes a climbing tower, slide, trampoline, a mound complete with tunnel and two outdoor classrooms.
The new all-weather flooring will enable the play area to be used all year round. There is also a new separate quiet area and safe space for the non-mobile children, and which includes mirrors, musical equipment, beanbags, lights, and books.
Friday’s celebration was attended by some of the project’s main sponsors and was the culmination of several months of crowdfunding, grant applications, community donations and support from local businesses.
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In total the Springboard managed to raise £60,000 which was enough to complete the play area project in full.
Anne Farrell, the company finance officer said: “In such challenging times, it has been heart-warming to have a something positive to celebrate.
“Springboard is very grateful to all the staff, supporters, families past and present who have donated their time and money to make the amazing project happen.
“We never dreamt we would raise enough to have all the work completed in one go. We are overwhelmed by the support Springboard received from all the funders, to reach the £60k target in just six months is just fantastic.”
Springboard manager, Jane Boulton added: “The new garden offers an accessible play experience to Springboard children, enabling them to maximise their abilities.
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“There are lots of fun activities and great spaces for staff and children to play outside in all weather.
“The completed project has changed the way the children can play outside. It is great to see the children excited to come and explore the ‘adventure playground’ whilst learning and developing skills at the same time.”
Springboard is a charity which supports pre-school children with special needs and their families in north Wiltshire.
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