We're thrilled to share our autumn newsletter with you! As announced, we had closed our survey and began collecting responses; thank you again to those who submitted their feedback.

Overall, our survey revealed overwhelming support for our project and indeed we all think Grenoside Playground really does need an update. Only 5% of people who completed the survey thought the park was secure, the majority agreed with us that better security of the park was needed and this has become our top priority going forward. So we decided that securing funding for a new gate at the playground would be our first priority. It has also come to our attention that there is no other way out of this park besides the one entrance and so, in order to keep children safe while they're playing here - we need another way out. The results also show that 75% of the people want to see more preschool equipment in the playground and so we're working on extending the playground perimeter so it meets up with the pathway in the park. Our goal is to add more toddler equipment because we've identified a level flat surface, perfect for small children and their little legs!

We are delighted to be able to confirm that the Northern LAC (operated by Sheffield City Council) and the Parish Council have agreed to fund the new gates/fencing and tarmacking work which will allow the playground to be extended and the gate improvements. This means our plans can move forward and hope construction can begin by the end 2022. Once we hear back from the council about when they plan to begin construction, expect an update straight away through our social media channels so watch this space!

As we near Christmas time, we have plenty planned for the village. We're supporting Piper, our Gala Queen - in her bid to sell Christmas raffle tickets. She has managed to get some great prizes together so please do buy tickets if you're able (we can put you in touch with Piper's mum if you do want tickets). Piper has generously decided to split the money she makes from selling tickets between Friends Of Grenoside Park and the Grenoside Gala.

FOGP are going to have a tree in the church for the Christmas Tree Festival. We have designed some great baubles and you will see these on display. The festival will run on the 3rd and 4th of December in the church. Please visit and vote for your favourite tree! The Christmas Tree trail will run from 3rd to 17th December and we are grateful to the organisers who have said that FOGP will be one of the beneficiaries of any money raised.

As our project progresses, we would like to film a short video featuring testimonies from park visitors discussing how they believe the park may be improved, what they believe is currently missing, and so on. Please contact us if you are willing to offer a brief video testimonial regarding the playground.

We'd like to thank everyone again for their continuous support for the project. Although the survey is now closed, we are still interested in hearing from anyone who has opinions about the playground. Finally, if you are a local business with fund-raising ideas or would be ready to carry out any for the benefit of FOGP, please contact us!