'Desperate' calls for reopening of playground

The adventure park has been closed since December

A local community is "desperately" calling for the reopening of a children's playground.

St Pauls Adventure Playground in Bristol was suddenly closed in December, with no explanation. It is managed by APE Project, a community interest company (CIC).

Rev Melanie Otto is from St Agnes Church, which overlooks the playground said she is "very sad" to see the gates still closed.

APE Project did not comment on the current situation.

As well as the playground, the site offers a children's bike exchange, a cafe, and community groups and events.

In 2017, the CIC took on the management of the park as part of a community asset transfer.

It was previously run by Bristol City Council, which had funded the provision since it opened in the 1970s.

A children's bike exchange, a cafe, and community groups and events were previously held at the site

"We desperately need it to be opened," Ms Otto added.

"Families in this area need a proper resource to give their children somewhere to come play, be safe and be focused."

She added that the space is more vital than ever, given the many incidents of knifecrime in the city this year.

"We want a safe space for our children and young people."

APE Project has managed the playground since 2017

Charmaine Lawrence is the CEO of Full Circle Docklands, a youth and family community hub in St Paul's.

She said the park leaves a "wide gap" in the area for young people and families, but stressed that it needs the right people behind it.

“I wouldn’t put the blame on the organisation.

"I would just say that sometimes it can be very challenging operating community spaces. It’s not as easy as people think.

"When it comes to working with young people and families who could sometimes be vulnerable or need specialist support, it’s not as simple as having a good intention and rocking up and opening the gates.

"You need to have skills and trained staff members and you need to have policies and procedures in place."

She added that "the best possible service" must be offered to the community.