News / APE
New lease of life for under-used St Paul’s playground
An under-funded and under-used St Paul’s playground is to be re-launched with a bike workshop, metal forgery, vegetable garden and more.
Ape Play Project has taken over the outdoor area and on-site buildings and will unveil the new, improved facilities in September.
APE founder Guy Davies said: “St Paul’s is going through a lot of change as a community and the children are at risk of joining gangs, or facing addiction, and mental health issues.
is needed now More than ever
Children within the community will have an exciting new space to play in
“We’re looking to make the playground a place that’s safe and a place where they feel free to be children. We’ve been working with children for 10 years as an outreach project, travelling to schools and farms. It’s always been our dream to have our own playground.”
He added: “Adventure playgrounds and open access play areas in Bristol are in grave financial danger right now, so it’s really exciting to be able to create a great space for kids and young people in St Paul’s.”
Bristol City Council tendered the neglected playground out to the organisation with the aim of creating the best possible environment for children within the St Paul’s community.
APE continue to build plans for the site and already have provision in place for a wood workshop and laundry facilities, as well as the play equipment, bike workshop, metal forgery and vegetable garden.
Funding has also been secured for bakery and barista facilities which will be used to train young people and sell coffee and baked goods to the local community.
There will be plenty of on-site workshops
APE will also provide availability for play workers and other practitioners within the area, who need to hire space for events for children and the community, as well as workshops.
The organisation is in need of volunteers to help bring this project to life, in particular people who are enthusiastic about painting, gardening and DIY, as well as those willing to help with party preparations and refurbishing the spaces needed so they can be completed for the launch in autumn.
Volunteers are particularly needed on September 6, 7, 8 and 9 for party preparations and then September 11-12 to help with the main refurbishment.
For more information and updates, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/350341258721642/
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