Yorkshire GREEN funding helps deliver new playground and outdoor gym facilities
- East Riding and North Yorkshire organisations will receive funding from National Grid to support community hubs, wellbeing and sustainable facilities
- Funding is helping deliver new play facilities and outdoor fitness equipment and community improvements across the region
Community organisations in East Riding and North Yorkshire are celebrating after being awarded community benefit funding linked to the Yorkshire GREEN project.
Construction has begun on the £400 million upgrade and reinforcement of the high-voltage electricity network in Yorkshire, including 10km of new overhead lines, to transport cleaner, home-grown electricity for up to two million homes and businesses across Yorkshire and beyond.
Alongside delivering critical infrastructure, National Grid is supporting local communities in East Riding and North Yorkshire through funding initiatives designed to back projects that matter to residents.
As construction gathers pace on the Yorkshire GREEN project, National Grid has awarded Local Community Fund grants of up to £20,000 for community projects in parts of East Riding and North Yorkshire.
Monk Fryston & Hillam Community Association has been awarded nearly £20,000 to help restore and upgrade a playground at its community centre. The playground, which welcomes around 80,000 visitors each year, will see the play space area expanded, new facilities installed and existing equipment refurbished.
Ray Newton, Playground Project Implementation Manager and former Chair and Trustee of the Community Association, Monk Fryston and Hillam Community Association, said:
“Our playground has been supported by the local community for many years, providing a safe and well-used space for children and families. Funding from the Yorkshire GREEN project at Rawfield Lane has helped us refurbish and upgrade the facilities for current and future generations.
“The grant has enabled us to expand the play area with new equipment, including a dedicated toddler space and improved seating for families. It continues to be at the heart of village life, used every day by local groups, families and visitors.”
Wilberfoss, Kexby and Newton Playing Fields Association has been awarded £8,000 to install an outdoor gym for use by over 12s, and to encourage exercise and green space use across the local community. The outdoor gym will complement existing sports facilities across the seven-acre site.
Paul Gibney, Vice Chairman, Wilberfoss, Kexby and Newton Playing Fields Association, said:
“The grant has made a real difference, allowing us to invest in an outdoor gym that will expand our facilities and create new opportunities for people who may not typically take part in sport. It will help us continue supporting our community and reducing isolation, particularly following the impact of lockdown on people’s mental health and wellbeing.
“We’re very grateful for the support, which has made this project possible and will benefit the community for years to come.”
Martin McGready, Project Director for Yorkshire GREEN, said:
“Electricity powers every part of modern life, and with demand set to double, our grid must keep pace to meet the energy needs of tomorrow. As part of The Great Grid Upgrade, the largest overhaul of the electricity network in generations, Yorkshire GREEN will be critical in delivering the modern network the country needs, while bringing jobs, investment and supply chain growth to East Riding, North Yorkshire and beyond.
“Just as importantly, we’re committed to supporting the communities hosting this vital infrastructure and delivering long term social value where it matters most.”
These are just two of 24 community groups in East Riding and North Yorkshire to receive up to £20,000 in the first two quarterly rounds of community funding. Since construction began, National Grid has awarded nearly £500,000 to support local community projects and initiatives along the Yorkshire GREEN route.
Visit Yorkshire GREEN for more information on the Local Community Fund and how to apply.
Pictured at Monk Fryston and Hillam Community Association's playground from left to right are (back) are Lydia Allen, Yorkshire GREEN Project Manager Assistant, Sue Newton, local resident, Rachael Humes, Yorkshire GREEN Community Officer, (front) Rupert Evans
Zachary Foreman and Noah McKeague.
Pictured at Wilberfoss, Kexby and Newton Playing Fields left to right are Rachael Humes, Yorkshire GREEN Community Officer, and Paul Gibney, Vice Chairman, Wilberfoss, Kexby and Newton Playing Fields Association.