Playscape first discovered Gorse Hill City Farm when, back in 2019 we received an email asking for some help with maintaining their existing play equipment. We obliged and thought nothing more of it. Fast forward to 2023 and we received another email from GHCF, again, asking for our help with some repairs to their existing playground.
We arranged a visit and on this particular occasion Lewis had his daughter Daisy with him after attending a personal appointment in Leicester. Like a lot of kids, Daisy loves animals so he thought they could go together, she can look at the animals and he can check out the play area !! It soon became clear that the farms play equipment was VERY old and tired. While Lewis and Daisy were at the farm Daisy mentioned that she was hungry, Katie the Farm Manager had overheard this and was kind enough to bring Daisy a kids sandwich meal box which Lewis and Daisy were very grateful for.
Thanks to Katies generosity, on the way home Lewis thought about how he could help and ‘pay it forward’. He thought how nice it would be to offer the Farm a new playground. As a Charity funded organisation, they just wouldn’t have had the funds to have one built and their existing playground was in desperate need of an update. Playscape Playgrounds were fortunate enough to be in a position that we could build one for them and it would be amazing to be able to give back to such a deserving team ! Lewis discussed the idea with his management team and came up with a proposed layout, which we printed out and he returned the following week to surprise them with his proposal.
Excited and overwhelmed for new playground
Gorse Hill City farm were shown images of a bright and colourful new play area that offered something for all ages. The Trustees and staff couldn’t believe it! The team at GHCF were so excited and overwhelmed for the new playground !
Brightly coloured play equipment replaced a very old and worn playground.
After a conversation with a Playscape supplier, Lewis also managed to secure some materials to help with the build as well – almost our very own DIY SOS project !!
In November of 2023 we started work tearing out the old equipment and installing the new. The team at GHCF were very hospitable keeping us topped up with hot drinks and fresh bacon sarnies from their on-site cafe.
The playground was finished in December and was officially opened by Leicester City Legend, Steve Walsh. Later on that month the Playscape team celebrated our Christmas break with dinner at the farm.
In May 2024 when the weather was noticeably better, Gorse Hill City Farm officially opened the play area and it seems to be a success with everyone who visits !
Having spoken to Gorse Hill City Farm recently, they also inform me that they have seen an increase in their footfall and visitors are staying longer, making the most of the play area and using the restaurant facilities more which is great to hear!
THE RESULTS
