A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to help provide a range of play equipment in Kings Meadow Burnt Ash Lane, Bromley.
The fundraising initiative by the Friends of Kings Meadow aims to raise £5,500 of the total £70,000 required to improve facilities and cover associated increased maintenance costs at this much loved green space. It is envisaged that Bromley Council will contribute £15,000 from their Community Fund while the balance will be raised through grant funding. Anyone wishing to donate, however big or small their contribution, can do so at www.spacehive.com/kingsmeadowbr1
“We are highly supportive of the Friends of Kings Meadow and their vision for the park and thank them for all their hard work. Friends groups all over the borough are helping to raise much needed funds by securing grants and sponsorship to improve green spaces. They are also very much involved with the practical side and anyone who would like a say in their local park could either join an existing group or if there isn't one, set a group up with our help and support. Find out more or join at www.bromley.gov.uk/volunteering“ said Councillor Kira Gabbert, Executive Assistant Environment and Community Services.
Caroline Navin, Chair of Friends of Kings Meadow said, “Any amount is gratefully received as it all counts towards our final target. A small donation by many people can achieve so much. Achieving donations of £5,500 would mean we are one step closer to realising our ultimate goal of a playground with equipment for all ages and abilities – from younger children right up to pre-teens, ensuring that those with mobility issues are catered for too. It will be the hub of the community.”
The old, limited equipment will be replaced with exciting new pieces that appeal to children of all ages and abilities and encourage interaction together. This could include swings, climbing frames and features to encourage imaginative play, such as moats, drawbridges, mounds, tunnels and colourful markings. The project also aims to be inclusive and build a stronger community with seating designed to encourage people to spend time in the park, getting to know their neighbours.
The exact equipment will be decided once a playground designer has been appointed and it is expected that the project will be completed during 2019/20. Should the full amount of funding not be raised through all the different sources highlighted, all contributions that have been secured will go towards smaller park improvements.
A successful funding campaign will mean future generations will be able to enjoy the park and playground, and have healthier lifestyles as a result.If this is something you might consider giving to, visit www.spacehive.com/kingsmeadowbr1 to donate or find out more.
idverde UK works in partnership with Spacehive, the UK’s dedicated crowdfunding platform for places, to help create, fund and deliver community project ideas. As part of the Kings Meadows crowdfunding campaign, the Friends group have applied to several funders linked to the Spacehive’s platform to try and secure additional pledges towards their 5k target. One of these is the idverde Community Investment Fund, which aims to empower local communities to deliver projects that improve their local green space or the public realm, enhance the local environment, and boost the wellbeing of local people, granting up to £40,000 per year to support community-led projects in the areas where they work. Applications for the idverde Community Investment Fund can be made through the online crowdfunding platform, Spacehive, or alternatively through an application form; further information is available at www.idverde.co.uk/communityinvestmentfund
For the latest Friends of Kings Meadow information, follow www.twitter.com/kingsmeadowbr1
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Editor’s notes:
- As the Spacehive page states, if the crowdfunding is not successful, the any pledged monies will not be collected from the potential donors
- idverde manage and maintain Bromley Council’s parks and greenspaces, working for Bromley Council and in partnership with a range of stakeholders, including Friends of Parks groups.
- As well as raising money for new play equipment, the Friends run a series of community events throughout the year, including Family Fitness sessions, a kite flying festival and an Easter Egg Hunt. To find out more about what they have planned this year, or to get involved, you can visit their Facebook page @kingsmeadowbromley.
For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Executive, on 020 8461 7670 or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk