"Make this vision a reality for our children" - Preston primary school looking to raise £20,000 for playground
Village school calls on community to back £20,000 playground appeal.
A village primary school in Preston is calling on local people and the business community to help transform their playground.
Grimsargh St Michael’s CofE Primary School has launched a £20,000 crowdfunding appeal to transform its outdoor spaces for pupils, and thanks to backing from Grimsargh Parish Council, the total could reach £40,000.
The project, led by the school’s Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA), aims to create a more inspiring environment where pupils can play, learn and unwind, with new facilities designed to support wellbeing, confidence and development.
Work is already underway, with a brand-new trim trail, funded through a £25,000 Parish Council grant, due to be installed before the summer by Cheshire-based playground manufacturer Maple Leaf Designs.
Now, the school is setting its sights on the next stage of their ambitious plans – development of a woodland learning area, upgraded play spaces for younger children, and a covered “friendship area” where pupils can relax and spend time together.
Headteacher Stuart Booth said:“This is a really exciting moment for our school. We want to deliver wide-ranging benefits for our pupils, from creating calm, sensory-rich environments that support emotional wellbeing and resilience, to enhancing inclusive spaces for our children. This equipment will also encourage physical activity through more varied outdoor play, while fostering imagination and stronger social connections across the school community.”
Following an initial grant from Grimsargh Parish Council in October 2025, the PTFA secured a further £10,000 in February 2026. If the school can now raise £20,000, that total will be matched, effectively doubling every donation.
“We’ve had fantastic support so far and we are incredibly grateful to the Parish Council for their help,” added Mr Booth. “Now we’re asking parents, carers and the wider community to get behind us and help us reach our final target, to make this vision a reality for our children.”
PTFA Chair, Deb Jaques, said: “This is a chance for the whole community to come together and create something really special for the children of Grimsargh St. Michael’s. With match funding in place, every contribution – no matter how big or small – will make a real difference.”
The school hopes to reach its £20,000 target within the next 10 weeks.
Donations can be made via: https://bit.ly/4bAhQVw