Improved play space brings joy to Duckmanton schoolchildren
Children from Duckmanton Primary School have been among the first to enjoy a newly transformed play space in Duckmanton following a major investment by Chesterfield Borough Council.
Around 180 pupils from Duckmanton Primary School visited the improved play space on West Crescent on Monday, 6th July, 2026, to explore the new facilities after the completion of a major refurbishment.
The children played an important role in shaping the project, with pupils invited to share their ideas on the types of equipment they wanted to see included as part of the redesign.
A revitalised community space
The transformed play area now offers a wide range of new and refurbished equipment for children aged two to 12. Improvements include two new climbing frames, refurbished swings, play panels, a see-saw, spring rockers, balance beams, a swing ride and a variety of additional play features.
Alongside the new equipment, the project has included tree works, refurbished seating areas and improved seating for parents and carers, creating a welcoming space for families to enjoy together.
The refurbishment has been completed ahead of the summer holidays, giving local families an enhanced outdoor space to enjoy throughout the school break and beyond.
Councillor Martin Stone, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and the Environment, said:
“Creating inviting play spaces to provide local families with fantastic outdoor spaces where they can spend time together is a priority for the council, and it’s fantastic that we could get these works completed in time for the summer holidays.
“Spaces like this encourage children to be active, make new friends and have fun, helping to ensure Chesterfield remains a great place to live for many years to come. Thank you to all the children from Duckmanton Primary School who helped us design the new play space and then visited to give it their seal of approval.”
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said:
“I have been so pleased to be able to provide this funding. Safe and engaging play spaces support children in getting active outdoors while having fun.
“I’m especially pleased that the children from the local primary school were asked what they would like their improved play space to look like. I hope that many happy memories are made here, and that local families get to make the most of it.”
Investment in local communities
The refurbishment of the Duckmanton play space was supported by £34,000 from the Mayor of the East Midlands and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), using funding provided by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The project also received £50,000 through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
Community Infrastructure Levy funding supports the delivery of infrastructure identified through Chesterfield Borough Council’s Local Plan, helping to fund improvements such as parks and other facilities that benefit local communities.
To discover more about what makes Chesterfield a great place to live, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/living
