Local Barking and Dagenham Campaigner, Lisa Adams’, dream of regenerating Valence Park has begun to be realised after the finances for the project were successfully crowdfunded.
Ms Adams, a local mother whose children attend Valence Primary School, began her campaign two years ago.
Now with help from charity Community Resources, the Urban Sports Group, London Sport, Barking and Dagenham Council and funding from the public, a massive £269,274 has been raised to give children of Barking and Dagenham the playground they deserve.
Currently, Valance Park is broken up into a playground primarily used by children, a basketball court used by teenagers and a gym used by adults. Ms Adams has expressed her desire to combine these three areas, creating a more sociable place for all ages.
The basketball court will see a modern redesign, including decorative court markings and sensory backboard for the hoops.
The area around the park will also be updated to feature recreational, family-focused games with the intent to educate.
Other plans for the park include replacing the existing play equipment with new multi-play climbing units, swings, a roundabout, new seating, rubber safety surfaces, and a modern outdoor gym area. More than 350 local people and schoolchildren were consulted in regards to the equipment and layout.
Work commenced on the park’s playground on 7 January, with hopes to be opened in the middle of February.
Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement said: “This project will significantly improve Valence Park for our residents in the local area, with a range of innovative additions that will transform the facilities on offer,
“My thanks go to Lisa Adams who has done a tremendous job raising funds for the redevelopment, and it is undoubtedly an exciting time with work just getting underway.”
