Creating an inclusive social space for local families
Our support has helped Warcop village in Cumbria revitalise its play park and provide a safe, inclusive social space for local children and their families.
Just over 10 miles from our Kirkby Thore plant, Warcop village’s local park was in desperate need of a revamp. Over time, the play equipment had become tired and unsafe, leaving local families without an outdoor social space to enjoy with their children.
Warcop Parish Council began fundraising for the project back in September 2020, hosting community events and lobbying for support from local businesses and larger corporations in order to get the restorations underway.
Over time, the council raised nearly £400 from local supporters, and received donations from the National Lottery Awards for All scheme, Cumbria Community Foundation, The Hadfield Trust, The Frieda Scott Charitable Trust, Eden Community Fund, Tesco Community Grants, and Cumbria County Council. A final donation of £2,000 from British Gypsum helped the campaigners reach their total fundraising target of £62,000.
The park’s renovation took around eight weeks, from removing old playground equipment to installing the new play set. Finally opening to the public in August 2022, the park’s restoration journey was documented on a community-run Facebook page, under the name of Warcop Play Park.
The new inclusive playground now boasts two toddler swings, two standard swings, a basket swing, a rocking frog, a spinning saucer, and a large activity tower complete with two slides and a zip wire – all of which have been well received by local children.
Warcop Parish Councillor Katie Hauser said: “The new playground is a great asset to the village and the local community. The children have had to play on old, tired swings and a slide for a very long time. It’s now an amazing space where children and adults can meet and play safely.
“This project came at the perfect time to give our community a great boost after being affected by the Covid-19 lockdowns.”
Since the playground opened in August, there has been a huge increase in visitors to the Cumbrian village, helping to reduce social isolation and contributing to residents’ wellbeing.
At British Gypsum, we strive to be a good neighbour to the communities around each of our sites, and we support local projects that make a lasting positive impact. Find out more about our Building Better Communities programme and apply for support here.