Youngsters in Chatteris are set to get a new BMX skate park thanks to a £75,000 grant.
The money, awarded by WREN’s FCC Community Action Fund, will be used to build the new facility, complete with ramps, quarter pipes and a new footpath, at Wenny Recreation Ground.
WREN is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, biodiversity and heritage projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund.
Councillor Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council’s Cabinet member responsible for the environment and open spaces, said the park would provide a real boost to local young people, who had helped to design it.
He said: “Young people in Chatteris have wanted something like this for some time, so it’ll definitely make a real difference to them.
“It’s a big project, so we’re delighted that we’ve got this big grant from WREN and can now start work on putting it all in place.”
The project was launched in January 2013 after an initial approach by young people to Chatteris Town Council. Several meetings followed between councillors and students from Cromwell Community College, which led to the final design.
Total cost of the project is about £155,000 – £75,000 from WREN, £25,000 from Section 106 planning contributions and £55,000 from Cambridgeshire County Council for footpath improvements.
Sarah Gosling, WREN’s grant manager for Cambridgeshire, says: “We are delighted to be supporting the Wenny Recreation Ground BMX and Skate Park project and pleased that our funding will provide such a fantastic facility for young people across Chatteris.
“WREN is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that make a difference to local communities and we’re really looking forward to seeing this one take shape soon.”
WREN also donated £69,150 to March Town United to help pay for their clubhouse, which will open in time for the new season.
For more information about WREN funding contact Sarah Gosling on 01953 714987, at sarah.gosling@wren.org.uk or visit http://www.wren.org.uk/
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