The New Ark Play Association, better known as simply ‘New Ark’ contacted Princebuild in hope of some assistance with essential repairs and maintenance.

New Ark is an independent registered charity which provides childcare, educational opportunities and community involvement with facilities that include a traditional adventure playground, an eco garden and a city farm.

The charity, originally set up in 1974, provides opportunities for outdoors adventurous play for all children in and around Peterborough.

The charity aims to keep its charges as low as possible so that cost is not a barrier to enjoying the opportunities they have on offer. Unfortunately the funding they receive from the council is now coming to an end and with the effects of the on-going pandemic they have been unable to hold their own fundraising events this year which normally raise in excess of £20,000.

After a site visit by Director Mark Asplin, Princebuild pledged to support the charity for 12 months, starting with the repair of their faulty heating system, supplying materials that can be used for other repairs and offering advice on many aspects including health and safety regulations.

Following his visit Mark commented “it was clear to see the hard work that is being put in at New Ark to provide a safe, educational and fun environment for the children. We are looking forward to working with them through these difficult times and helping in anyway we can.”

The site offers many facilities to children and families including pre-school places, a weekly toddler group, play support services, an adventure playground and a city farm featuring ducks, chickens, sheep, rabbits and even a pony.

Robert Brown, Committee Treasurer for New Ark Play Association Ltd. commented “We would like to say from all the Children and Staff at New Ark Play , THANK YOU…… THANK YOU……THANK YOU for all the help you have given us over the past year. Especially during these unprecedented times of COVID-19.

“The children have had the benefit of some of their equipment being renewed and are now able to use again along with some new bits being added. It has been a great help for us as we have lost all our funding and it has been very hard to apply for any new funding due to COVID restrictions. We have not been able to do any fundraising days , which used to help with the up keep of New Ark.”

For many children New Ark provides their only opportunity to access activities like den building, tree climbing and collecting eggs from the farm chickens, all in a safe environment with experienced staff. As well as play opportunities for younger children, older children have the opportunity to develop life skills and even take up the offer of an animal care placement on the city farm.

Princebuild look forward to working with New Ark over the coming months and hope that the assistance provided can benefit the many children that visit this very special place.

If you would like to offer any assistance to New Ark or would like to find out more about what they do please visit their website here https://www.newarkplay.co.uk/