It’s wheely good news! New scooter track is created for children
December 17, 2020
A new state-of-the art landscaped scooter track is giving hours of enjoyment and exercise to children in the great outdoors.
The track was unveiled earlier this autumn at Easebourne Community Space, an award-winning park that has been given a new lease of life over the past two years thanks to a tireless community effort.
The scooter track has been developed by Playsafe Playgrounds and is the latest in a series of improvements at the park, including new picnic benches, tree planting, new play equipment, a bandstand and barbecue pits.
Spearheaded by Easebourne Parish Council, the renovations have been made possible thanks to a range of grants, including £80,000 of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding from the South Downs National Park Authority. CIL funding is administered by the SDNPA and paid by developers as a means of supporting new community infrastructure.
Cutting the ribbon to officially open the new scooter track, Jessica Riches, a Planning Officer who helps administer CIL funding for the SDNPA, said: “It’s wonderful to be able to see this new facility being enjoyed by young people – out exercising in the fresh air at this beautiful setting. CIL funding can make a real difference to communities, improving people’s quality of life. The transformation at Easebourne Community Space is a perfect example of this, showing how planning and the community can work hand-in-hand.”
Last year Easebourne Community Space won the People’s Choice Design Award from the South Downs National Park Authority. It was noted that the scheme was an “impressive mix of play area and habitat creation” and a fine example of the “power of using the National Park for health and well-being purposes”.
Ian Milne, from Easebourne Parish Council, said: “This great enhancement to our much beloved Community Space and Play Park would not have been possible without the SDNPA CIL grant for which the whole Easebourne community, and especially the younger members of this Parish, are very grateful
Charlotte Cunningham, 10, who lives locally and has been enjoying using the track, said: “I love it!”
