Dartmoor encourages play at Holne

The installation of a new Moorland Play Park in the Dartmoor village of Holne was celebrated recently at a packed community event.

Previous equipment had become very dilapidated and when this small rural parish needed to find a large sum to fund a new park – they asked Dartmoor National Park if it would be able to help.  The group used a small grant from the National Park to secure a substantial amount from Biffa Award, and with additional support from local Councillors, local fundraising, including a quiz night at the Church House Inn and a donation from Mike and Gill Cunniam of Holne Books, funding fell into place.

The new play equipment, constructed by Earth Wrights a specialist local company that designs free flow equipment made from sustainable timber, was just right for the sensitive site, set deep in the wonderful landscape of Dartmoor National Park.

"Holne continues to go from strength to strength. In the last few years the local community has helped in the development of new affordable homes for local people, secured the future of its shop and tearoom by turning it into a thriving community led social enterprise and now is providing an exciting custom built play area for the village youngsters," said Jo Rumble, Communities Officer for Dartmoor National Park.

Fleur Powell, Chair of the Holne Playpark Charity said: ‘We hope that the new creatively designed equipment will enhance the community spirit of Holne and neighbouring moorland parishes and people young and old will use the community space to meet up, relax and have fun.  It was so wonderful to see so many people at the opening event, and so many children enjoying themselves.'

The Holne Play Park Charity very much hope that the new park will not only provide a great new facility for residents but also will be a welcome attraction for visitors for years to come.  The Play Park’s location close to Holne Community Shop and Tearoom, will no doubt tempt those who have worked up an appetite by trying their luck at the basketball hoop, to drop in for a delicious cream tea!

The Dartmoor National Park Communities Fund will again be offering grants across Dartmoor in 2015/16 to help Dartmoor communities to secure and enhance important local facilities or services.  The fund will open to applications later in the summer, for more information contact Jo Rumble, Communities Officer on 01626 831024 or jrumble@datmoor.gov.uk