New Dragon unveiled at Open Space in West Bromwich

Published by Sandeep for Riverside in Housing and also in Communities

Friends of Millfields Green Spaces, a volunteers group and housing association Riverside have unveiled a purpose built dragon seating area at the Balls Hill open space off Crookhay lane in West Bromwich.

The Big Lottery – Awards for All fund was used to build the dragon, which was designed by local school children from Moorlands Primary School.  The dragon is made from grass mound and wooden structure that will allow the local children to play and sit on the wooden benches that make the wings.

The idea was submitted by the Millfields Green Spaces and Riverside helped to support their applications to The Big Lottery Fund, which awarded them £10,000 towards the project, which was completed over the summer months.

The event last week was the official unveiling of the dragon with some of the local school children who were involved in the design of the dragon.

Ted Wilkes of Friends of Millfields Green Spaces said: “The dragon is a wonderful addition to the play area for children to play and learn on.”

Lynda Cooke, Community Projects Coordinator for Riverside said: “The dragon seating area will allow local people to sit and watch their children play or even enjoy a picnic with the family.

“The dragon is the final part of the overall open space refurbishment and we are pleased to be opening it for the local people to use.”

Sandwell Council's cabinet member for housing Councillor Simon Hackett said: "Balls Hill is a great open space for families on the Millfields Estate and I hope this unique seating area will bring them enjoyment for years to come."

Ball Hill Open Space was refurbished by Groundwork after intensive consultation with tenants and residents from the Millfields Estate.  £45,000 was funded by the Government Play Pathfinder fund which was awarded by Sandwell Council to Riverside to refurbish the area.