Rain won’t stop play at Townhill Junior School in Townhill Park thanks to local housing developer Lovell, which has funded a new all-weather surface for a playground.
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The area has been transformed with a synthetic AstroTurf surface allowing pupils to use it even after wet weather.
Lovell donated £3,000 which has been awarded to Townhill Junior School through the SO18 Big Local Community Grant Scheme, supported by Southampton Voluntary Services. Big Local SO18 is part of the national Big Local programme funded by the Big Lottery Foundation which helps residents improve their communities.
Assistant head teacher Nick Humphries says the new synthetic surface has made a real difference: “It means our children can play on the equipment even after a downpour. Previously the ground became waterlogged and this would not have been possible. We’re very grateful to Lovell and the Big Local scheme for this help.”
Sensory garden
Lovell is currently building new homes nearby at Meggeson Avenue as part of a major housing regeneration programme which the company is undertaking with First Wessex for Southampton City Council. Townhill Junior School is located behind the new Montague Place housing development of new apartments and houses for sale.
Lovell is set to help other community projects over the life of the estate regeneration programme, through its Lovell Legacy commitment to leaving lasting benefits in neighbourhoods. In addition to the £3,000 already given for the Townhill Junior play area, the company is also providing £900 for a sensory garden at the school.
Photo: Children at Townhill Junior School enjoying the new all-weather play area. Also pictured are, sitting in front, Lovell community liaison officer Cath Greenham and left to right, Townhill Junior assistant headteacher Nick Humphries; Helen Pain, chair, SO18 Big Local and SO18 Big Local community development worker Jo Proctor.