The Friends of Grange Park, Old Coulsdon, need your help.

They have raised £38,000 since they began their campaign to renovate the playground, thanks to the support of sponsors, including Old Coulsdon Residents’ Association, East Coulsdon Residents’ Association and Hartley and District Residents’ Association.

“But we need more help,” said Elaine Hutton, the campaign secretary.

“Our target is £100,000 so that we can get a completely revamped playground for the local children. The new play area is going to be an incredibly exciting, state-of-the-art, inspiring place for young children of all abilities to play, and one of which the whole community will be proud.”

The winning design for the play area can be seen on the Friends’ website, www.friendsofgrangepark.com

How the Grange Park play area looks today. The Friends of the park want to give it a complete revamp

Croydon South MP Chris Philp will attend the official launch of the fundraising campaign from 7.30pm on Friday October 16 at the Congregational Church, Old Coulsdon.

“We are looking for patrons – individuals or local businesses who might be able to sponsor a piece of equipment, which range in price from £500 to £9,400.

“In return for your support we will include your name or business logo on a ‘Sponsors’ Board’ in the playground, to acknowledge your significant contribution to community life,” Hutton said.

There will be drinks and snacks at the reception, and the opportunity to learn more about the winning design and the sponsorship opportunities available.

“If you are able to donate a smaller amount of at least £100, we will display your name in the playground to create a lasting public record of your contribution.”

The Friends are already taking donations online. All donations of whatever size can be gift-aided if you are a UK tax-payer.

Time is running out for the Friends to hit their target before the end of this year. Hutton said: “If you can help us raise at least £12,000 by December then we are able to apply to a major fund for the remainder of the project costs. If we’re successful in this application, then we will be able to revamp the playground next year – in 2016. The more money we can raise, the better our chances.

“This is a local project run by local volunteers. We care about our community and want to leave a legacy for our local children. You can too.”

• For more information, email friendsofgrangepark@gmail.com, or telephone the treasurer, Ray Haxton, on 07715 422771 or vice-chair, Hannah Price-Harries, on 07857 688850.

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