New outdoor gym and activity area for Pinemartin Close estate in Brent is officially launched

Published by Priya Patel for Network Housing Group Limited in Communities and also in Health, Housing

A launch party to celebrate a new outdoor gym and activity area on the Pinemartin Close estate in Cricklewood, Brent, took place on Saturday 14 April, with an official launch ceremony performed by the Mayor of Brent.

The event was attended by approximately 200 people from the local community and was organised to celebrate the development of the communal green space into a multi-use activity park with a new play area, outdoor gym and planting areas. Fun activities for children included face painting, arts and crafts, an entertainer, sack races and other games. Other activities included t-shirt printing, a gardening club taster session and a steel band performance by St Michael’s Youth Project.

The new park was initially conceptualised by the Network Stadium Residents Association and is the culmination of over two years of resident consultation and fund-raising undertaken by a partnership of the housing providers on the estate (Network Stadium,

London & Quadrant and Brent Housing Partnership) together with London Borough of Brent and environmental regeneration charity, Groundwork London.

Martin Macarthur, Resident and Former Chair of the Pinemartin Close Residents Association said: "This was a fantastic project to be involved with and local residents are thrilled with the outcome. The green space is now an engaging and safe place for all to use regardless of age. We hope the regeneration will bring the local community closer together and help tackle issues surrounding anti-social behaviour in the neighbourhood."

The natural play area includes a group basket swing, a flower swing for toddlers, a spinning roundabout disc, timber and rope climbing frame and group slide. Children can now play ballgames on the lawn, whilst a free outdoor gym boasts four pieces of outdoor equipment where people can get fit in the fresh air. People who do not have access to an indoor gym can get a good workout on the bench presses and weightlifting machines.

Robust facilities have been added to the green space to appeal to all residents, young and old. There is a space for relaxation with flowerbeds and seating, as well as new pathways, and a hedgerow and railing perimeter. Groundwork London will be running activity sessions following the launch; including gardening workshops to learn about vegetable growing in the new planters and after-school play activities in the adventure area.

Network Stadium and the other housing providers on the Pinemartin Close estate worked in partnership with Groundwork London and London Borough of Brent to raise funding of £196,000 for the activity park. The project’s funders are

London & Quadrant, Biffaward, London Marathon Trust, Network Stadium, L B Brent, Brent Housing Partnership, and Febreze as part of the P&G Capital Clean Up programme.

Moira Herring, Groundwork London said: "The launch of Pinemartin activity park was a momentous day – the culmination of over two years of hard work by many to provide a fantastic urban green space for the whole community. The Olympic year is an ideal time for Londoners to be active outdoors and the new park, designed by Groundwork’s landscape architects, provides active lifestyle options for the whole community. We are grateful to the funders for their contributions which have enabled this new community space to be built."

Sarah Tickner, Community Engagement and Investment Manager, Network Stadium said: "It is so pleasing to see the old communal outdoor area transformed into an attractive and useable green space for the enjoyment of everyone living here. The direction and support received from our residents, fundraisers and the consortium of housing providers on the estate has made this an exciting place to be and one that will leave a positive legacy."

Ciaran Porter, Neighbourhood Investment Manager, L&Q said, "This project has been a great initiative, featuring community input from the start. The garden will offer residents a truly unique space that will last for generations to come."

Gillian French, Biffaward Programme Manager, said: "Exercise is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and provides people with the opportunity to socialise and engage with others. The improved facilities on Pinemartin Close will ensure that members of the community can be brought together in a positive and stimulating environment."