'A fantastic addition'- Grimsargh St. Michael’s CofE Primary School celebrates opening of new trim trail

A primary school in Preston has proudly opened a new facility after months of planning and fundraising.

Grimsargh St. Michael’s CofE Primary School is celebrating the official opening of its brand-new trim trail, marking the successful completion of a project that has been almost a year in the making.

The new outdoor play facility, designed by pupils and staff and installed by Cheshire-based Maple Leaf Designs, was officially opened on Monday, June 8 by Chair of Grimsargh Parish Council, Peter Burton, alongside pupils, staff and representatives from the school’s PTFA.

The new trim trail replaces equipment that had reached the end of its life and forms part of the school's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality outdoor spaces that support children's learning, wellbeing and development.

It has been funded through a £25,000 grant awarded by Grimsargh Parish Council following a presentation to councillors last October by the school’s PTFA, Headteacher Mr Stuart Booth and Year 5 pupil Ruby Clarke.

Their proposal outlined ambitious plans to replace ageing playground equipment and create a more engaging outdoor environment for the school’s children.

Now, following months of planning, fundraising and a week of installation work, pupils are enjoying the new facility which includes a range of different equipment, to provide opportunities for physical activity, imaginative play and social interaction during breaktime.

Headteacher, Mr Stuart Booth said: "We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Grimsargh Parish Council for their generous support in making this project possible. The new trim trail is a fantastic addition to our school and will have a hugely positive impact on our pupils for many years to come.

"Outdoor play is such an important part of children's physical, social and emotional development, and this new equipment provides exciting opportunities for challenge, adventure and active play. Seeing the children's faces when they first used the trim trail was wonderful, and their excitement has been infectious. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped turn this vision into a reality, including our active PTFA."

Chair of Grimsargh Parish Council, Peter Burton, who officially opened the trim trail, added:"Grimsargh Parish Council is proud to support projects that deliver lasting benefits for our local community, particularly those that invest in the wellbeing and development of young people. From the moment the proposal was presented to us, it was clear how much thought, effort and passion had gone into the project.

"It is immensely rewarding to see the trim trail now completed and being enjoyed by the children. Supporting local causes like this is an important part of the Parish Council's role, and we are delighted to have played a part in creating something that will benefit generations of Grimsargh pupils."

Grimsargh St. Michael says the trail’s official opening represents a significant milestone for the school and its PTFA, whose efforts helped secure the funding needed to bring the project to life, but it is just the start.

The PTFA is continuing to work towards raising funds for the next stage of their playground transformation project, which will include installation of further play equipment to support imaginative play, and to create a new nature and woodland learning area to enhance outdoor learning opportunities for pupils.

Deb Jacques, Chair of the PTFA, said: “It’s always so rewarding to see the smiles on the children’s faces when they benefit from something we have done.

“Now we turn our attention to getting the next tranche of funding needed to deliver on the rest of our playground ambitions. Support from the community and local businesses will be vital if we are to bring these plans to life and we are currently running a crowdfunding campaign to reach our final target.”

Anyone wishing to contribute can do so at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/grimsargh-st-michaels-playground-project.