A new playground has been handed over to pupils from Corporation Road Community Primary School in Darlington today.
An innovative project, spearheaded by local MP Peter Gibson, has seen the installation of a train and castle themed wooden playground at the school in the town.
The work to install the much-needed community facility began on Monday and has been supported by The Splash Project, a national organisation which helps to deliver community learning projects.
Volunteers working on the project included local councillors, Darlington Rotary Club members and young people from YH Training Services.
Sponsors of the project included Darlington Borough Council, Redde Northgate, Lingfield Education Trust, Amazon UK and Harry Hill & Friends.
As part of a pioneering community project Corporation Road School saw dozens of volunteers pull together to create a unique community facility. The team of volunteers included 30 young people who are all aiming to secure qualifications for a future with the British Army. The youngsters joined forces with a number former military personnel from Slash Projects to get the job done in just five days.
Children in the Northgate area of Darlington and pupils from Corporation Road Community Primary School were so excited to explore their new playground and discover the new educational aspects of the build.
Darlington MP Peter Gibson said “I have been overwhelmed with the support we have received on this project, being here each day, seeing the support of the community has really made me proud to represent our amazing town. It has been inspiring to see young people from YH Training help to deliver this project, together with volunteers from across Darlington to create a lasting community facility.
Jonathan Dulston, Deputy Leader of Darlington Borough Council said “The Northgate area of Darlington is going through a period of significant transformation. It’s been fantastic to be here helping to build this playground, I know the young people helping on this project will made a lasting difference not only to their community but will have enabled .”
Ann Pringleton, Headteacher said “Corporation Road Community Primary school is delighted that the Splash Project Team have been instrumental in bringing the community together to create such an amazing space for our children”
Harry Hill, who has helped to fund the project said “I’m absolutely delighted with the design and now seeing the finished build in the school yard I know it will be thoroughly enjoyed by several generations of Darlington children to come”
Speaking about the donation, Mallikarjun Erasu, Site Leader at Amazon in Darlington, said: “We are pleased to support Corporation Road Primary School with this donation. At Amazon, we’re passionate about supporting the education of the young people in our community and I hope that the pupils at Corporation Road Primary School enjoy their new playground.”
Martin Ward, CEO of Redde Northgate Plc who also donated to the project added: “As a Group, we are committed to being a sustainable and responsible business, supporting a cleaner and brighter future for our customers, our people and the communities they serve.
“We’re therefore delighted to support the Corporation Road Primary School Playground Project as this is a fantastic way for us to be involved in building a stronger community, right here in Darlington, and we look forward to seeing the difference this makes in the local community.”
