All systems go at Kings Heath Park, thanks to Parents for Playgrounds

Proud Birmingham parents and their children were the first winning team in our Parents for Playgrounds scheme to see their hard work pay off with an official opening ceremony for a spanking new zip wire.

The play equipment was provided by Robinsons Fruit Shoot with a £15,000 renovation bursary after campaigners on behalf of Kings Heath park beat more than 1,000 playground nominations and more than 5,000 shortlist votes from parents across the UK.

Mum-of-two Wendy Turner who nominated the playground and encouraged the surrounding community to vote, said: “It’s so exciting! It will be emotional to see the result of all the hard work that has gone in over the last few months. My children can’t wait to test out the new equipment and it’s great that it has been completed in time for the school holidays.

"Thank you Robinsons Fruit Shoot - this really is going to make such a difference to the community!”

Birmingham City councillor Martin Mullaney, who cut a ribbon on the new zip wire, said: “We were absolutely delighted that Kings Heath Park received enough votes to get the £15,000 bursary from Robinsons Fruit Shoot. The renovation has gone really well and now it’s finished we can really see how much it will mean to the community here, so thank you to Wendy for lobbying for us and to everyone that voted. There is so much excitement about seeing the new playground equipment!”

Celebrity mum of two, Patsy Kensit, who is supporting the campaign, said: “Congratulations to Kings Heath Park! It really has been a wonderful journey and it is heart-warming to see how much support there has been for the Parents for Playground campaign in Birmingham and around the whole of the UK.

"It is so encouraging to see how much parents care about their children’s play areas and I’m sure the kids will make the most of them during the school holidays!”

Let's have some fun

The campaign is also backed by Play England, the national organisation which aims for all children in England to have the freedom and space to play throughout childhood. Adrian Voce, Director of Play England says; “Play should be at the heart of every child’s life, every day, so it’s been great to see so many parents get behind the campaign. We hope that Parents for Playgrounds has given everyone the inspiration and passion needed to develop, manage and sustain the places where children play. There’s so much parents can do, even if their playground wasn’t one of our winners, so please keep campaigning!”

Debbie Eddy, Robinsons Fruit Shoot Brand Controller says; “The Parents for Playgrounds campaign was designed to help parents preserve the important tradition of outdoor play for their children, so it’s great to know that parents and kids are still so passionate about their playgrounds. We are delighted to be unveiling the five renovated playgrounds, all parents and all children deserve a natural and safe place to play outside. Let’s hope everyone has fun testing out the new features this summer! ”

Hurrah - another park opening:

Erica's excited in Edinburgh