Lyneham children finally get place to play
30th July 2010
Gazette and Herald
www.gazetteandherald.co.uk
Children of service personnel in Lyneham will have no time to get bored this summer after a £27,000 play park was officially opened on Friday 23rd July 2010.

The park, in Melsome Estate, has been funded by RAF Lyneham, the RAF Benevolent Fund and Lyneham and Bradenstoke Parish Council.

Lisa Mitchell, RAF Lyneham’s Community Development Worker, said the park was much needed after the previous equipment was removed last year. She said: “There was literally nothing for the children to do here so this is great. It has been about two years in the making, but once we managed to secure the funding in January it has all happened really quickly.”

The park, which includes slides, swings, climbing frames and a basketball hoop, was opened by ten-year-old Lyneham Primary schoolgirl Nadreke Gonewai, who was first to try out the new equipment. Nadreke said: “I think the new play park is amazing because now we have somewhere to play so we don’t have to stay inside being couch potatoes.”

Although RAF Lyneham will close in 2012, the park will remain in the area for future generations to enjoy.

Station Commander, Group Captain John Gladston, said: “The park is brilliant and it is an excellent example of community co-operation. One of the main reasons we have done this is because the children living on this side of the A3102 have nowhere to play – they have to cross the busy main road to get to a park, so this is outstanding and the children love it.

“Even though the RAF are leaving in December 2012, that doesn’t take away from the fact this is a contribution to the community and it is not going to go anywhere and I am sure it will more than pay for itself.”