Opening of Newbiggin-on-Lune playground - 7th June 2008 - Press Release
The young people of Newbiggin-on-Lune are celebrating as the village officially opens its new Children’s’ Play Area this Saturday. The development of the £34,500 project has been ongoing for a number of years led by the Ravenstonedale Parish Council. The local community formed the Ravenstonedale Play Committee in 2004, which has undertaken an active and successful local fundraising campaign. The Committee organised a wide ranging programme of events including barn dances, variety shows, sales, raffles, sponsored walks amongst other events. Funding has further been received from Cumbria Waste Management Environmental Trust and the Frieda Scott Charitable Trust which resulted in a total of £14,808 being raised in the Parish. Eden District Council’s successful application to the BIG Lottery Fund, Children’s Play Programme for £19,715 has allowed the community to move forward with the detailed project planning during 2008.

The play equipment is manufactured and installed by Playdale Playgrounds Ltd of Ulverston provides young children with an opportunity to access challenging and free play which includes swings, jukebox, little hamlet, striding stilts, balance beams plus more. The opening of the new facility is the first project to be delivered in a portfolio of nine projects that are part of Eden District Council’s successful application to the BIG Lottery Fund Children’s Play Programme which awarded the Council £199,130. The realisation of this project has been delivered both within the allocated budget and the milestones set by the BIG Lottery Fund. Ian Parker. Assistant Leisure Officer for Eden District Council said ‘The delivery of this project is excellent news for the district and importantly for the Parish of Ravenstonedale. Credit should be given to the local community for their efforts and in particular to the Parish Council Clerk who has worked with great enthusiasm to ensure that this project is delivered within budget, on time and that the equipment meets the visions and aspirations of the local community.’ The play area will be officially opened on Saturday 7 June by John Bull, Chairman Ravenstonedale Parish Council, Councillor Tony Brunskill, Chairman Eden District Council and Councillor George Boustead, Eden District Council.