The campaign to raise money for the Calverley Adventure Grounds in Tunbridge Wells has taken off by raising £14,000 in five days. The target for the play area is £225,000.
The idea is to raise the money by November in order to complete the build in time for next summer.
Fundraising co-ordinator Kate Bourne told an audience at the official launch of the next phase of the project that sponsorship opportunities ranged from £50 for a square metre of the site to £30,000 for the largest piece of equipment.
Event management company ID&C has already sponsored a swing. Its director Steve Daly said: “As a father of young children I know it will add value to the Tunbridge Wells landscape and be an everlasting legacy long after they have grown up.”
Organiser Rhiannon Harfoot said: “We are really encouraged and excited by the initial response. Community sponsorship is a key element of our strategy together with applicable grants and fundraising events.”
She said the design for the adventure grounds would create a unique space for children, inspired by the heritage of Tunbridge Wells, in which they would discover a new adventure with each visit.
“Designed by award winning landscape architect and local resident Jennette Emery-Wallis, also responsible for the Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens which is renowned for changing the face of play in the UK, the scheme uses the best quality timber play equipment in order to create a long-lasting and highly attractive environment,” she added.
“The town and its children will benefit from a very different play space, designed by one of the leading play designers of our age.”
MP Greg Clarke has offered his support to the project: “The grounds have been a popular place of public recreation for nearly 200 years. This exciting project will give children and families yet another reason to come and enjoy this beautiful park.”
More than 1,000 people attended the Easter Eggstravaganza at Calverley (pictured above) on Good Friday when £3,000 was raised.
The Calverley Adventure Grounds team is part of Friends of Calverley.
