Greenfields Junior School's Woodland Playground officially opened by Dr Hew Prendergast, Superintend
Added: (Thu Jun 26 2003)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
On Friday afternoon (19 June), Dr Hew Prendergast, Superintendent of Ashdown Forest, officially opened Greenfields Junior School's Woodland Playground which was a gift to the school from Greenfield School's PTA. He firstly briefed the children on the work he carries out in relation to Ashdown Forest and then cut the ribbon.
"We are delighted to have created the Woodland Playground out of our patch of woodland, and we are honoured that Dr Prendergast came to Greenfields to carry out his first public engagement," the headmaster, Mark McQuade, said.
Angie Gilchrist, Chair of Greenfields PTA, oversaw the numerous fund-raising activities and the building of the playground that was almost entirely carried out by PTA members. "I would like to thank the scores of teachers and parents who have all worked so hard since early 2000 when Lizzy Calcioli, the then PTA Chair, came up with the idea," she said. In total, £9,000 was raised from summer fairs, auctions of promises, Halloween parties, cycling proficiency courses, talent shows and a 'pub' quiz.
The playground which has been tastefully blended with woodland includes a rope climb, a play house, monkey bars, stepping stones and hiding places to stimulate creative play.