THE grand opening of Lamerton’s £38,000 children’s play park took place last Saturday (August 18).

The brand new playground at Lamerton Sports and Community Centre was designed by the centre’s committee and the local pupils from Lamerton Primary School, and made possible thanks to generous grants.

The committee identified the types of equipment wanted as a result of input from the children in the junior classes, aged 7 to 11.

Chairman of the centre Ian Minshull said: ‘The children were keen to suggest equipment that would suit all ages and wanted to make sure everyone’s needs could be met.

‘They wanted to retain the slide, toddler swings and roundabout and really enjoy playing on the current climbing frame as they felt it provided a challenge for the older children.

‘As a result of being told that the climbing frame would need replacing, they asked that a similar, challenging piece of equipment could be included in proposals.

‘The children liked the idea of taller swings for older children and a swing nest.’

A three phase plan was then agreed with Rhino Play Ltd of Newton Abbot, to do the work at a cost of £38,000. The village hall located £15,000 and the parish council £500 — the committee was successful in receiving grants from the Lottery Awards for All for £10,000, The Norman Trust for £5,000, The Amory Trust, for £5,000 and West Devon Community and Sports Fun, £5,000.

The grants have enabled the completion of the first two phases catering for infants and primary school children.

The third phase, which is designed for the teenagers and includes a shelter, a five-a-side football pitch and basketball posts, will cost in excess of £12,000.

The committee is continuing its fundraising. Lamerton WI said it will donate from the proceeds of their successful produce and craft show and there are currently applications pending from Devon County and West Devon councils.

l Lamerton Sports and Community Centre, a registered charity, celebrated its tenth anniversary last year and during those years, the hall has gone from strength-to-strength and is proving popular with the local residents and the wider community.

The aim of the committee is to keep fees low for customers by holding regular fundraising activities throughout the year which enables the enhancement of the facilities and maintain the fabric of the building.