Park Improvements & Security Update

Over the past few months, many of you have been asking about the progress on the park and the repairs following the damage caused earlier this year. While things may have seemed quiet on the surface, we want to assure everyone that a great deal of planning and coordination has been happening behind the scenes. Today, we’re pleased to share some exciting updates on what’s next for the park and the steps we’re taking to restore, protect, and enhance this valued community space.

First Signs of Change: Pavilion Car Park Security Fence

Beginning next week, you’ll see the first major visible improvement – the installation of a new custom metal security fence around the pavilion’s car park. This fence is being created by none other than local blacksmith Kev Paxton and his team at ArtFe, whose craftsmanship and dedication to community projects are widely admired.

Installation of the fence will be carried out by Chris Dearn’s Modearn Driveways, who are working closely with us to ensure a secure and lasting result. This marks an important step in not just restoring, but future-proofing the park against further damage or disruption.

We’d also like to give a special thank you to Ransfield Farm, whose generous support played a crucial role in helping bring this part of the project to life.

Pitch Repairs Following Gala Day

Once the much-anticipated Gala Day concludes, we’ll begin essential maintenance work on the football pitch. Thanks to the efforts of Willie Fairley and Mike Reid, we have a solid plan in place to improve the playing surface. Although local clubs have been able to continue hosting games, the pitch has remained far from ideal – with deep grooves and surface damage still affecting play.

Waiting until after Gala Day was a strategic choice. The increased footfall and activity during the event would only have disrupted any early repair efforts. This timeline ensures that once the work begins, the surface will have the best possible conditions for recovery and regrowth.

Behind the Scenes: Planning and Funding

We understand that some may have been wondering why more hasn’t been visibly happening over the past few months. The truth is, a lot of thoughtful discussion has taken place regarding how to best utilise the GoFundMe donations. Our goal has always been to maximise the long-term benefit for everyone who uses the park – from families and spectators to local sports teams and event organisers.

This careful planning phase has helped us ensure that the money raised goes as far as possible and addresses both immediate concerns and future sustainability.

Thank You to Our Community

None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our volunteers, donors, and local partners. From the businesses lending their time and expertise, to the individuals who’ve given up hours to plan, coordinate, and support this work – we are truly grateful.

Your efforts are making a real difference, and we’re excited to see these improvements take shape in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned – we’ll be sharing updates along the way, including photos of the new installations and further information on the pitch works.

Thank you for standing with us. Together, we’re making the park a safer, stronger, and more vibrant place for everyone.

For ongoing updates and future plans, be sure to follow us on social media or check back here regularly.