The two winners, Macie and Amelia, with Jane Jones and Malcolm Eastwood from Henfield Parish Council. Emma Osman © BN5 magazine
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s most local children will already know, the new play equipment at the King’s Field next to the Tennis Courts in Henfield was installed before schools broke up in July, just in time for the glorious sunny weather! Created by outdoor play and sports company Proludic and financed by £52,000 from Section 106 funds (planning gain money) with £5,000 contributed by Henfield Parish Council, the new play area is for ages seven and upwards. It includes frames, swings, trampolines and all sorts of balancing and climbing fun. All completed with multi-coloured safety matting and benches for parents and carers to sit and watch from, if they’re not joining in as well! Henfield Parish Council, along with Proludic, involved children from St Peter’s CE Primary School in a competition to create some colourful vinyls to decorate the area and the two creative winners came along to see their designs in August before they were applied. There were lots of imaginative designs and the standard of entries was exceptionally high. Six-year-old Macie, whose busy and fun design included dogs, children playing football and flowers, said “I think the new play park is really good and I like to come here after school with my friends.”
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Amelia, who is 10 years old, won the older child category with her beautifully coloured ‘Fun in the Park’ poster, complete with a rainbow and technically accurate play equipment. “I love art, especially painting and colours. I’m studying Claude Monet and love his painting technique. My poster has everything in it I could imagine in a play-park.” Malcolm Eastwood, Chairman of Henfield Parish Council, commented; “The designs are great, bright and colourful to suit the new equipment. We hope the new park will encourage all our local children to come and enjoy the great outdoors and we’re really pleased that it’s been received so favourably.” Many months of research by members of the Lighting and Open Spaces Committee went into finding the right company and the most robust and suitable equipment to replace the existing, tired-looking play equipment. Jane Jones, who led the project, said; “We’re really indebted to Kevin, Hazel and Dick at the Parish Office for their hard work making sure everything ran smoothly, they went above and beyond to make sure the project was a success.” The final word must be given to the children, who are the most honest critics of all. It’s a resounding “We love it!” Emma Osman
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