Farm attraction to open inclusive playground

A farm and woodland attraction is redeveloping 720 sq m of Nottinghamshire lakeside to create an inclusive playground.

Manor Farm Park and Woodlands in East Leake said once opened, the playground would be one of the first that was "fully inclusive" in the East Midlands.

It comes after a £40,000 grant from the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which provides funding for local investment.

Chief operations officer Jordan St Germain said the "custom-built" playground would have something for everyone, "regardless of physical ability".

The attraction sits on 25 acres of woodland in the south of Nottinghamshire and has a farm of more than 200 animals.

Mr St Germain said the site attracted about 100,000 visitors a year.

The new playground is part of a wider project to regenerate the site's lakeside area.

Mr St Germain added: "The lake area was filled in during the war to create more arable farming, and over the last two to three years, we've put a lot of work into putting it back to its former glory.

"With the help of this grant, we're installing one of the East Midlands's first fully accessible playgrounds, complete with a boardwalk, and that allows a more inclusive and welcoming environment."

The new playground, expected to be open by the October half-term holiday in Nottinghamshire, will include an inclusive see-saw and roundabout - with space mobility and disability equipment - and activity panels with braille.

Work has started on the boardwalk, which is expected to be complete by the end of August.

"We're really excited about what we've put forward," said Mr St Germain.

"There's really something for everyone along with a lovely picnic area that will overlook the lake."

The project is expected to cost more than £100,000 overall and will be funded by the government grant and by the attraction.

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