Bungay play equipment unveiled after huge fundraising effort
Youngsters from the Emanuel pre-school enjoying the new play equipment at the Honeypot play area in Bungay. PHOTO: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
A state-of-the-art play area has been unveiled in Bungay thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers.
The Honeypot Play Park in St John’s Road has cost in the region of £90,000 with the equipment chosen in consultation with local parents and children.
It is the culmination of years of tireless fundraising by a group of residents whose aim it is to build a new £500,000 community centre on the old grammar school field site with an associated play area.
The park, which is deemed the first phase of the project, has been designed in two sections with a fenced area for small children, which opened early last night and the recently completed junior area for youngsters up to the age of 12.
The infants area boasts brightly coloured smaller equipment with a smart ‘Miami shelter’ where parents can sit while the children play.
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Meanwhile the junior section is equipped with a large rope swing, a modern climbing frame, traditional swings, plus a basket swing and a roundabout.
When the new Bungay Honeypot Community Centre is built, it will replace the current outdated facility in Upper Olland Street and will house a large hall, conference room, kitchen, toilet facilities and parking.
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Suffolk County Council has transferred ownership of the grammar school field to the centre’s committee and once the old hall is sold, proceeds from the sale will go towards the new building.
Trustee Martin Evans said he believed it would take around 18 months to raise all the cash needed to start building the new centre above the play area.
“We envisage the centre sitting above the play area and creating a nice synergy where parents can use the centre to take children to the toilet or to get a snack,” he said.
Michael Davies, chairman of the development committee for the new Honeypot Centre said he was very encouraged by the uptake at the park.
“It is extremely rare to see no one here. I believe the Emmannuel Pre School use the facilities nearly every day. Bookings at the current hall still do very well, but it’s getting too small and there needs to be more car parking,” he said.
The first in a line of fundraising events for the hall is a Travelling Trends ladies fashion show at Bungay Community Centre on June 25 from 3pm.
High street clothes at bargain prices will be available with tickets on sale from Bungay Library for £6, including a soft drink.
Models are required of all ages and up to size 20. Please leave your details at the library.
