Houghton on the Hill,

Location:
Houghton on the Hill

Leicestershire

Date of installation: 2011

Wicksteed moves the earth for Houghton play area

The regeneration of this play area in Houghton on the Hill had been in the planning for some years so the final completion of the site by Wicksteed Playscapes makes it even more satisfying.

A steering group was formed alongside the Houghton Field Association - a committee of Trustees who manage the field on behalf of the residents of Houghton - in order to concentrate on making the refurbishment possible.  Vast quantities of earth had to be moved to create Wicksteed's inspirational vision and the landscape-led design and enhancing of the area has transformed it into a multi-faceted, unique environment with facilities to cater for a wide range of ages. 

Local companies gave generously of their time and resources, local residents helped out in any way they could and a fantastic selection of events were held to help raise more funds.  A Casino Night, Food and Wine Evening, 40s Night, annual Christmas card sales and Easter Egg Hunts were all arranged.  Cricket matches were held against rival pubs in the village and some of the dads even took part in a bike ride from Houghton to Paris!

Thanks to the passionate people of the community a massive £23k was raised through these fundraising events and £1500 was contributed by the Parish Council.  Lottery funds amassed a big £49,999; £10k from Leicestershire Shires Grant, a further £1000 from Mars in the Community and a £5k from Harborough DC, which all adds up to a significant amount in excess of £89k.

Bringing both adults and children together in a most heartwarming way, this huge input from the community as a whole was brilliant to see and Zoe Carey, Chairperson of HFA, exclaimed: "Wow! There really has been an amazing reaction to the new site which is being used all the time!  The favourite item is definitely the big, double Wavy Embankment Slide and the older kids are also having a lot of fun on the Flymobile."