Shouldham's new play park opens after three years with Winter Wonderland theme and special visit from Father Christmas

A new play park for youngsters has opened at the King George V Playing Field in Shouldham.

After three and half years the project was ready for its Winter Wonderland theme grand opening on Saturday.

Elves Zia and Helen created a grotto for a visit from Father Christmas who met the children.

Shouldham Parish Council chairman, Nigel Walsh, thanked the crowd of about a hundred children and parents who braved the weather to support the event and praised the hard work and dedication of the Project Play Park team.

He also thanked the FCC Communities Foundation and West Norfolk Council, represented by leader Cllr Stuart Dark, for their grants that made the £148,000 project possible.

Penny Horne, spokesperson for FCC Communities Foundation, said: "It's wonderful to see something we have funded finally open and ready to make such a difference to the young people and families in Shouldham."

Zia and Helen, part of Project Play Park and who organised the community fundraising for the park, said: "It's been a long three and half years but after seeing all the happy children and parents might I add, playing and having fun, it was amazing to see and made every hurdle we faced all the more worth it.

"Lots of fun and memories will be made at this new play park and that's what it's all about.

"We had such an amazing turn out on the day, which was lovely to see."

They also thanked everyone who supported the project.

"All the children loved seeing Father Christmas attend the event," they added.

"The remaining gifts from Father Christmas that we had left have all been given to the Children's Ward at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to hopefully bring a little joy to them too."

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