Play area sign unveiling marks ‘hard work’

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Shahid Mohammed (centre) with the people who have worked to have the sign put in place, accompanied by children who use the play area

The sign for the Rainbow Children's Play Area on King Street East was ‘unveiled’ today (Monday 29 November 2010) – a day which has marked a lot of hard work.

The play area, which has been on the site for about two years, did not have a name until recently.

With the help of children at Deeplish Primary School, the King Street East Residents Association (KSERA) decided to name the spot ‘Rainbow Children’s Play Area.’

The name was decided following a competition, because it was felt the name fits in well with the colourful theme of the play area.

The sign for the play area was erected on 12 November and today the people who worked to put it in place, in particular, KSERA founder Shahid Mohammed, joined together to celebrate the work they have completed.

Mr Mohammed said the sign gives a “sense of belonging.” He said: “It is a small start but I am proud of today and it shows if the community work with local agencies they can achieve something.

“The sign finally gives the play area an identity.

“It has been hard work, but the sign is like a badge, as if to say ‘we have achieved it.’

“It has been a slog but I’m really pleased we have got here.”

In addition to giving the Play Area an identity and a sense of community ownership, a new powerful lamppost has been erected in the play area to help reduce anti-social behaviour. KSERA has identified that work still needs to be done but are happy they have made a start.