Preston school opens new £25,000 trim trail for pupils
The new outdoor play equipment was funded by Grimsargh Parish Council and will support active play, learning and wellbeing.
A Grimsargh primary school is celebrating the official opening of its new £25,000 trim trail after almost a year of planning and fundraising.
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The outdoor play facility at Grimsargh St Michael’s C of E Primary School, near Preston, was officially opened on Monday by Grimsargh Parish Council chair 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 work to provide outdoor spaces that support children’s learning, wellbeing and development.
It was funded through a £25,000 grant awarded by Grimsargh Parish Council after the school’s PTFA, headteacher Stuart Booth and Year 5 pupil Ruby Clarke presented the plans to councillors last October.
Seeing the children’s faces when they first used the trim trail was wonderful, and their excitement has been infectious.
Their proposal set out plans to replace ageing playground equipment and create a more engaging outdoor environment for pupils.
Following months of planning, fundraising and a week of installation work, pupils are now using the new facility, which includes a range of equipment designed to encourage physical activity, imaginative play and social interaction during breaktimes.
Headteacher 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.”
Mr Burton said: “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.”
The opening marks the completion of the first stage of the PTFA’s playground improvement plans.
The group is now raising funds for the next phase, which would include more play equipment, a nature and woodland learning area, and further improvements to outdoor learning opportunities.
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PTFA chair Deb Jacques 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 visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/grimsargh-st-michaels-playground-project