North Sligo Playground

A group of parents in Grange have decided to come toegther to build a playground and improve current park facilities in North Sligo. They are currently fundraising and mykidstime are happy to support them however we can!

Heres some background to their plans and their current fundraising ideas!  Please support!

WHY A PLAYGROUND?

• It is through the benefits of play that so much of the social, emotional, physical and intellectual development of children takes place. We wish to facilitate and promote the healthy aspects of outdoor activities for children of all ages in an era when childhood obesity is becoming endemic in our society.
• It will be free to use, will not require club membership, children may access during daylight hours, it will encourage non-sporty children to exercise and participate in outdoor activities. It is non-competitive, will develop and improve social, personal and physical skills and self esteem.
• There is no playground between Sligo town and Bundoran and this project will benefit all the children in this large catchment area, e.g. Drumcliffe, Maugherow, Grange, Cliffoney, Ballintrillick, and Mullaghmore.
• We hope to include a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) in the playground area also. This will facilitate the development of minority sports such as netball, basketball, volleyball etc.
• The development will revive the old heart of the village, bringing people of all ages together in a safe, healthy and relaxed environment. Our project is unique in the community as the activities are all free, non- competitive, open to all, inclusive and not affiliated to any other  group.

WHO CAN AVAIL OF THIS FACILITY?

• Everyone! It will be open to all when complete, local children, tourists, visitors, passers by etc.
• The playground is for children of all ages, and not exclusive to any single age group.
• All generations will be able to avail of the recreational facilities, as paths, lighting and landscaping will be upgraded in conjunction with Tidy Towns’ The whole park will be for the benefit of the whole community of North Sligo.

FUNDING

• They hope to make application for 75% funding from Leader which supports Ireland's Rural Development Programme. They hope to receive this substantial funding for the project but still will need to raise approximately €40,000 to support the project.
• There is a detailed submission required to obtain funding which they are currently working through.
• They are in the process of negotiating a lease with Sligo County Council and the Parish of Grange for the use of the land, and it is hoped that the lease will be successfully negotiated to allow for the development of the project.
• The playground group will not receive any funding after the capital works are complete, and fundraising will be ongoing on an annual basis in relation to insurance and maintenance.

FUNDRAISING

• Their very first funds were raised not by them but very generously by The Grange Golf Society, over €2,000.
• Next, they had the Grange Players who gave the proceeds of a nights takings for their excellent production of Feloree Fever.
• The Upfront Club held an acoustic night in Barry’s Pub and donated their takings to them.
• The local community have generously supported our fundraising efforts, which included a music night in Barry's Lounge, Bag packing in SuperValu Grange, and the Spring Clean Fair held in the North Sligo Sports Centre.
• As at the end of February 2010 they have over €10,000 in the bank - so a quarter of the way there already!
• Donations from individuals and businesses will also be gratefully accepted.

SUPPORT FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

• They have received great support from local businesses, donating prizes for our raffles, monetary donations and provision of legal and accounting services. They thank them all for their support.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Bag packing in SuperValu Grange, Table Quizzes in Harrison's of Cliffoney and McLeans in Ballyscannell, Carney Lissadell 10k, Cake Sale and Church Gate Collections.