A Community Celebration: The Opening of the Grant Thorold Park Play Zone
In an exciting development for the Grimsby community, the newly opened Grant Thorold Park Play Zone has captured the hearts of residents and local celebrities alike. Opened on April 25, this innovative multi-use games area (MUGA) is set to transform the way families engage with sports and recreation in their neighborhood.
A Hub for Sports and Community Interaction
The Grant Thorold Park Play Zone boasts a well-designed space for various sports, including basketball and football, with an impressive pitch size of approximately 30 by 20 meters. Equipped with built-in goals, hoops, and proper line markings, this new facility promotes a safe and supervised environment for local youth.
Operated by the Shalom Youth Centre, the emphasis on 'free to use' community access is a testament to the initiative's commitment to inclusivity. With an online booking system in place, residents can now enjoy fair access to this vibrant new space. Thomas Turgoose, a local celebrity who frequented the Shalom Centre in his youth, expressed his enthusiasm at the opening event, noting the joy it brings to children and young adults in the area.
Positive Community Impact
Turgoose stated, “I think it’s brilliant... Kids absolutely love it which is, of course, the main aim.” His reflections underline the importance of providing safe spaces for children to play and enjoy sports. The Play Zone not only serves to entertain but also functions as a refuge where individuals can momentarily escape their daily stresses through engaging in physical activities.
As Turgoose reminisced about his own childhood, he highlighted a significant improvement with the new facility: “When I was their age, we had places to play, but nothing as good as this.” This sentiment echoes the broader vision behind creating such facilities that cater to the sporting needs of the community.
A Collaborative Effort for a Better Tomorrow
The funding for the Grand Thorold Park Play Zone comes from a collaborative effort, with 75% of the total costs covered by the Football Foundation, and the remaining funds sourced from Safer Streets grant funding and NELC resources. This initiative not only rejuvenates an old play area but also embodies the commitment of local authorities towards fostering healthier and more active lifestyles among residents.
Councillor Hayden Dawkins, the portfolio holder for Culture, Heritage, and the Visitor Economy, articulated his hopes for the Play Zone, stating, “We look forward to it being well used by the local community. It provides people of all ages with a quality and modern facility... supporting people to be more active, more often.”
This new facility at Grant Thorold Park is a shining example of how community resources can be transformed to meet the needs of its residents, ushering in an era of enhanced youth engagement in sports and activities.
