Children in Lowestoft can get active outdoors following the opening of brand new YMCA play area
Young people in Lowestoft have a brand new play area to enjoy as we have revamped our St. Margaret’s Road early year’s childcare setting.
The outdoor space was transformed thanks to kind-hearted support from local companies Apec Groundworks Ltd, Taydal Surfacing and Cullum Line.
The new play area will be used to teach children key social interaction skills, as well as turn taking, road safety and maths. It features road markings, raised flower beds, a zebra crossing and even a pretend car wash.
Our St. Margaret’s Road setting is registered to provide care for up to 55 children at any one time aged between two and twelve years.
Kim Streater, Childcare Manager at St. Margaret’s Road, said: “We are delighted to open our brand new play area which will give our children here a safe and secure place to play. This space will be much needed for our children, following many months away from the setting, and will really support their mental and physical wellbeing.
“At all YMCA Childcare settings we believe that children deserve the best possible start to their education. Families now have access to a play area filled with activities that is carefully designed to engage and develop children and support their learning.
“A massive thank you to Apec Groundworks Ltd, Taydal Surfacing and Cullum Line for volunteering their time for free and putting in many hours of hard work which the children will forever be grateful for.”
The project was started by Gemma Lawn, an Early Years Educator and Events Coordinator at St. Margaret’s Road who first pitched the idea in 2019.
Kim added: “Gemma did a fantastic job designing the area, working closely with the contractors and guiding the project to completion. Everyone is so thankful for her efforts.”
Representatives from Apec Groundworks Ltd and Taydal Surfacing attended the opening event and had the honour of cutting the ribbon to formally open the space.
Jason Jeffery, Managing Director at Apec Groundworks Ltd, said: “When Kim made contact with me, I knew straight away that I wanted to get involved with the project. I grew up in Lowestoft and really felt I could give something back to the children of the town. I am pleased that I was able to help realise the vision of Kim, Gemma and Beth and I am excited to be able to see the children use the new area for the first time.”
Several other local companies such as Mark Botwright Tree Services, Lound Garden Centre and AW Removals Lowestoft also helped on the project, with support ranging from donating bark, clearing the garden waste and supplying and planting the sensory area.
YMCA Childcare St Margaret’s Road is open Monday to Friday all year round and remained open throughout the pandemic, supporting keyworkers and vulnerable families.
In the last year alone, 51 children transitioned from YMCA Childcare to school and 100% of children had positive outcomes through the progress shown in their learning journeys.
For more information on how you can register your interest in the facility, visit our St Margaret’s Road page.
