Children from Coaley Church of England Primary School helped officially launch construction of the brand-new Toddler Park in village.

What began as a community ambition has now become a powerful symbol of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Coaley Recreation Action Group (CRAG) has successfully reached its £41,000 fundraising target to replace the Toddler Park at the Recreation Ground — and the order for the new play equipment has been formally placed with leading playground provider KOMPAN. Just days after the milestone was confirmed, the community gathered to celebrate in style.

The £41,000 total was achieved through an extraordinary show of local support, and generous contributions from Cotswold Homes, Bromford, Coaley Village Groups and countless residents who donated, volunteered and attended fundraising events. For many, it represents far more than new equipment — it represents shared pride and determination.

The Recreation Ground became the stage for a moment many had worked years to see. Children from the school gathered alongside representatives from CRAG, Coaley Parish Council and project funders including Cotswold Homes. Three children from the local primary school helped mark the start of construction — a fitting tribute to the young people who will soon fill the park with life.

The new Toddler Park will replace ageing equipment with a vibrant, modern and inclusive play space designed especially for young children and families. Plans include a toddler swing, springers, a seesaw, a tractor climbing frame with slide, a carousel, spider swing seat, interactive play panels and brand-new safety surfacing — transforming the area into a safe and imaginative environment for exploration and play.

Martin Pearcy, Chair of Coaley Parish Council, praised the achievement: “We are thrilled that the community has rallied behind this project. The new Toddler Park will provide a safe, modern and imaginative space for our children, and it marks an exciting step forward in our wider plans to regenerate the rec!”

CRAG Chair Les Compton described the moment as transformational: “This is a wonderful moment for Coaley. The Toddler Park has been shaped by local families, supported by local organisations and funded by the generosity of our community. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and we can’t wait to see children enjoying this new space.”

Sarah Williams, Sales and Marketing Director at Cotswold Homes — which is currently building new homes in the village — highlighted the wider significance: “We are proud to support CRAG and the Coaley community in delivering such a valuable project for local families. The new Toddler Park will be a fantastic asset for the village, and it’s inspiring to see what can be achieved when residents, organisations and businesses work together. We look forward to seeing the park come to life and be enjoyed by generations to come.”

Construction is now underway with the park due to open just before Easter.

In aiming to create an intergenerational space with opportunities for all we recognise that, the

UN Convention on the Rights of the Child places particular emphasis on the rights of children

and states “every child has the right to play and rest” (article 31).

Here in Coaley we recognize the impacts of modern society may restrict children’s opportunity

to play freely outdoors. We therefore aim to recognize this right and ensure children have

opportunities, as enjoyed by previous generations, to have the freedom and independence to

decide when, where, who they play with. It is essential for children’s all-round development

and promotes positive well-being that can carry over into later life.