Community garden becomes safer space for children thanks to local collaboration
Friday 6 December 2024
A popular community garden on the Lakes Estate in Redcar has been made a safer place for children to play, thanks to the support of Beyond Housing and funding from local organisations.
The garden at Goldrill Gardens, originally the idea of The Ladies of the Lakes Estate Association members Christine Long and Nicola Graham with fellow members and Newcomen ward councillors Carrie Richardson and Janine Craven, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Designed and developed in partnership with Beyond Housing Contractor Supervisor Philip Easton, the project has been supported by the Travis Perkins social value fund and has seen substantial input from local residents and organisations.
Over the past five years, the garden has been lovingly nurtured by the community, with the addition of wildflower planting, a pergola, benches, including forestry-style seating and a dedicated holder for an annual Christmas tree. With its carefully selected plants to attract birds, bees, and butterflies, the garden has become an attractive space for children to learn about biodiversity.
However, with many young children using the garden as a play area, concerns were raised about their safety, particularly when chasing balls into the adjacent road. A need for perimeter fencing was identified to protect the children and provide peace of mind for families.
The Ladies of the Lakes Association spearheaded the fundraising efforts, securing more than £30,000 to install fencing around the garden. The project, completed by Steel River Fabrications, ensures that the garden remains a secure and inviting space for everyone in the community to enjoy.
The association expressed their gratitude to several local organisations whose contributions made the project possible, including Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Beyond Housing, The National Lottery Community Fund, The Teesside Family Foundation, Dogger Bank Wind Farm (SSE), and the Woodsmith Foundation.
Councillor Carrie Richardson, Ladies of the Lakes Estate Association member, said: “We are thrilled to have successfully contributed this addition to the community garden. The fundraising journey was challenging, but we’re proud to say that we made it happen in the end. It’s truly heartwarming to watch the children enjoying the space and knowing that they are a little safer while they play makes it all the more rewarding. We are all so proud to be improving the ward we live in and look forward to future projects.”
Philip Easton, Contractor Supervisor at Beyond Housing said:
“Beyond Housing is committed to providing high quality affordable homes within thriving communities. We are happy to work alongside our partners to make our neighbourhoods places where our customers want to live, and this ambitious garden project has given us a welcome opportunity to join other like-minded groups and organisations in supporting the creation and maintenance of a wonderful space to be enjoyed by local people.”
