Noel Park Big Local was established over a decade ago with funding from the Big Lottery fund with a mission to spend £1m over a period of ten years. The Big Local is a community of neighbours entrusted to use this funding to leave lasting legacy in the Noel Park Estate and in 2019 it carried out its final consultation to identify the priorities of the community. One of the main themes that arose from this consultation was the need for better play facilities and green spaces and the Big Local used this mandate as the basis to drive their plans for the regeneration of Russell Park – both in terms of play equipment and biodiversity for which they earmarked over a third of their total funding.
Working closely in partnership with Haringey Council over the last two years, and following extensive consultation sessions over a period of 9 months in 2022/2023, we are ready to embark on an amazing refurbishment of the junior play area using a fantastic architectural design co-created with the community’s feedback by Matthew Halsall Design Studio and the Big Local steering group.
Play facilities will incorporate new planting schemes that will place biodiversity at the heart of play. Equipment will encourage active and natural play. Following the latest design recommendations to encourage all children to feel welcomed and safe while they enjoy the playground, its design includes raised platforms and open play spaces to encourage girls into the playground.
The project faced several challenges as the rising costs of materials and other global circumstances sent the project’s budget into disarray but thanks to the perseverance and imagination from the Big Local and the unwavering support from officers from Haringey Council, we are ready to get started on this project in late Spring/ early Summer 2024.
Stay tuned for more updates.