A new state-of-the-art multi-use games area has opened in Grant Thorold Park in Grimsby.
The free-to-use facility will give residents on the East Marsh a space to play a range of sports including basketball and football. It features a pitch, built-in goals, hoops and new line marking.
Access is via an online booking system, and will be operated by the Shalom Youth Centre opposite.
Canon John Ellis who founded the Youth Centre in 1972, said: “In the holidays it will be brilliant. Whilst the centre doesn’t open, the children will still be able to use the facility all the way through.”
“The children are looking forward to it enormously. They’ve been moaning about it not being ready so there is great enthusiasm for it,” he added.
“In relation to the rest of the community, it opens up a facility in the park that was derelict for years and frankly unusable. Now, there is something for people to use and enjoy again.”
The project will be funded with 75% of the total cost from the Football Foundation, with the remaining 25% from Safer Streets grant funding and NELC funding sources. The money for the scheme has been awarded as a grant from the Premier League, The FA and the Government via the Football Foundation.
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country.
“Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.
“This grant award towards developing Grant Thorold PlayZone is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.”
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.