********Photo Opportunity*******Photo Opportunity*****Photo Opportunity*****<br><br>A huge party – The Bingfield Bash – has been planned for local residents and their children to celebrate the re-opening of the revamped Bingfield Park (Bingfield Street, N1).<br><br>The park has been closed since January for a major facelift, but the grand re-opening celebrations will be on Tuesday 26 July. <br><br>From 3pm onwards, there will be a range of free attractions including entry to the adjoining Crumbles Castle Adventure Playground, a bouncy castle, football and basketball events, a balloon race, circus and disco, as well as a BBQ and refreshments.<br><br>At 5.30pm there will be an official opening ceremony attended by Cllr Bridget Fox, executive member for sustainability.<br><br>Speaking about the eagerly awaited reopening, Cllr James Kempton, executive member for children said:<br><br>"The council has worked with the Bemerton Estate, local youth organisations and others to turn an under-used, rather tatty open space into a safe and activity-filled modern park that's been reclaimed by the community. <br><br>Estate residents and the north Kings Cross area will have a focal point they can be proud of for many years to come.<br><br>Children's play is important for their physical and social development, but more than that, it's got to be fun. There's loads of great activities for kids here and elsewhere in the borough this summer. To find out more about what's happening where you live, call 020 7527 2000 or pick up a copy of School's Out from your local library or leisure centre."<br><br>In the past, the park was under-utilised and associated with anti-social behaviour and crime. It was overgrown and poorly-connected to the surrounding streets and buildings. <br><br>The redevelopment has aimed to create a sense of ownership in the local community and drive out antisocial behaviour by increasing visibility in the park, and installing brighter lighting for night-time safety. <br><br>Access has been improved by a new path network allowing the park to be reached via Bingfield Street,Rufford Street, Gifford Street, Pembroke Street and Randells Road. This was important as the park will become one of the area’s key open spaces once the whole of the North King’s Cross area is redeveloped.<br><br>A new football and basketball court has been installed, and will also act as a focal point for the park and as a ‘town square’ for events. <br><br>Crumbles Castle Adventure Playground has also undergone significant improvement works. Play areas have been rebuilt, and its boundaries have been redefined - appropriately enough with 'castle-style walls'.<br><br>The castle’s new perimeter fence will also include art panels designed and built by local youth at the Copenhagen Youth Project’s ArtFlat. <br><br>Dogs (and their walkers) will appreciate new dog waste bins, and scooter barriers to help prevent their use in the park. Plans on the drawing board include a wild flower meadow and new seating.<br><br>Residents wanting more information can telephone Islington’s Greenspace and Leisure team on 020 7527 8653.<br><br>ENDS
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009