PRESS RELEASE:
Published: 04 October 2022
Children, parents and grandparents recently joined the Mayor of Sevenoaks at the official openings of the refurbished Hillingdon Rise and Julian’s Meadow Play Areas which were completed ahead of the summer holidays. The ceremonies welcomed children of all ages to enjoy the new equipment and even get a bit silly with entertainer Silly Billy!
The works were carried out with grants totalling £80,000 awarded by Enovert Community Trust. In line with Sevenoaks Town Council’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions and protecting the environment, some existing equipment was refurbished while new equipment was also added to cater to a wider range of ages and abilities.
Enovert Community Trust is a grant-making organisation which is funded by landfill tax credits. It supports projects in the vicinity of landfill sites, and projects that benefit and make a positive impact to the community.
The Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Rachel Parry, said: “The Town Council is supporting local parents by using the money to upgrade the play areas. It was marvellous to see the anticipation on the faces of the children and young people. At Julian’s Meadow, the pirate mast rope ladders appealed to all. In Hillingdon Rise the new equipment provides more opportunities for older children. There is also a fixed table tennis table, on which I challenged Silly Billy to a game. I think you could call it a draw!”
New equipment at Hillingdon Rise Play Area includes a junior climbing frame with slides, ropes, mini climbing wall, a basket swing and swings; outdoor Table Tennis table, adult gym skier and cycle along with refurbished bucket swings for toddlers.
New equipment at Julian’s Meadow Play Area includes a Pirate Lair climbing frame, tightrope walk, catwalk balance beam, basket and flat swings, rock and bowl spinner and a double zig-zag twister.
Angela Haymonds, Trust Manager of Enovert Community Trust, said: “The Trustees are delighted to have supported these important community projects. The new playgrounds will provide both social and health benefits for the many children and families in the community that will use them for years to come.”
Enovert Community Trust funding is available for a wide range of projects that bring benefit to local communities. This may include refurbishment of churches or buildings of architectural or historical significance, or general amenity projects, such as improving disabled access or improvements to parks and nature reserves.#
For further information about the play area projects contact osl@sevenoakstown.gov.uk
For more information about Enovert Community Trust visit
Enovert Community Trust
Linda Larter - STC