DREAMS of a multi-purpose park at the heart of North Petherton are set to become reality after the trust hit their fundraising goal.

The improvements at the existing North Petherton Memorial Park include new playgrounds for juniors and toddlers, a multi-use games area, a young people's arts and performance space, a trim trail and outdoor gym area, a multi-use circular track for walking, running or cycling, and picnic and seating areas, landscaped with trees and flower beds.

Peter Farnell, volunteer fundraiser and project manager at the Memorial Park Project added: “It was important to take into account the needs of everyone. Following an in-depth consultation with local residents last year, which included primary and secondary schools, local businesses, youth club and Brownies, we were able to start work on the project in mid-September. We’re very excited that there will be opportunities for outdoor physical activity for all, which will improve the health and wellbeing of our entire community.

“The project will help families who are new to the area to integrate into the existing community. Friendships can be created or developed as the community families come together through recreation in an attractive space and the whole community is really looking forward to being able to make use of it.”

North Petherton Playing Fields Charitable Trust raised the funds needed to make the community's dreams come true, which included an £80,000 grant from the Hinkley Point C (HPC) Community Fund administered by Somerset Community Foundation (SCF).

Val Bishop, programmes director at SCF explains: “It is well known that getting outside in nature has many mental health benefits, and research has shown that spending time at a park or any green space can have the same effect.

“And so we are delighted that the grant award supports this brand new integrated leisure space, in the centre of North Petherton, which is being created for local people of all ages and abilities.”

The build is due to be completed later in the autumn, with an official opening planned to take place in the spring of 2021.

Andrew Cockcroft, Hinkley Point C’s Senior community relations manager, said: “We are delighted to be able to support this local project which will create a space that can be enjoyed by all in the years to come.

“It is wonderful to see the HPC Community Fund benefiting schemes across Somerset, supporting local people during these difficult times.”

The HPC Community Fund is part of a wider £20 million commitment of funding, provided by EDF through Section 106 agreements, for communities that are affected by the development of the new nuclear power station, to promote their social, economic and environmental wellbeing and enhance their quality of life.

If you run a local community project in Somerset, you can find out more about grants from the HPC Community Fund by calling Somerset Community Foundation on 01749 344949.

Alternatively, you can visit www.hpcfunds.co.uk