Eaton Park

Before the Community Park was set up, there was no safe communal area in Eaton for children to meet and play. As the number of the children grew, the problem became more pressing. In early 2007 youngsters were playing around the village hall, next to the dangerous blind bend in the road, and there had been a couple of near accidents. There was a strong feeling among some parents that something had to be done.

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In the Spring of 2007 a piece of land became available that had the potential for use as a park. This was a field at the entrance to the village that was owned by the Parish and which was only used for occasional animal grazing. A few parents agreed that this was a potential site for a park.  A meeting, attended by a large number of villagers, was held in the village hall to discuss the possible option of a play area. There was overwhelming support for a park proposal and a working group of six volunteers was set up under Stuart Hogarth’s chairmanship to move the proposal forward. The ECPA was up and running!

The first decision the working group made was that any facility should be for the benefit of all Eaton residents, hence a Community Park and not just a play area.

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During the summer of 2007 a number of fund raising events were held, including a very successful sponsored walk. Agreement was reached with the Parish Council for the long term lease of the field and safety improvements made to the access. Fund raising and grant applications continued such that by the end of 2007 the Park Committee had raised over £15,000. Notable grants had been received from Lincolnshire Community Foundation and Mars, together with a very successful formal Valentines Ball early in 2008. This allowed the first set of play equipment to be installed. At this time, the ECPA was put on a more formal footing with appointed Trustees, a legal constitution and becoming a registered charity.

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In 2008 further grants were obtained, including £10,000 from the National Lottery and £5000 from Leicestershire Voluntary Action. This allowed the second phase of the play area to be completed, together with the football pitch, zip wire and boules court. A program of tree planting also commenced.

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A further grant of £6000 was received from the LCC Shires Fund in 2010 but, apart from that, the park has since been entirely self- funded from village events. This has not only kept the Park funded but has made a major contribution to Eaton Village social life. Fund raising events have included, but not limited to, themed supper evenings, quiz nights, curry nights, jumble sales and Fun in the Park events.  One memorable event was a “Proms in the Park” evening to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The Park also organised for a number of years the “Eaton Stampede”, a challenging cross country run well supported by local running groups.

Since 2007 it is estimated that the Park has raised over £80,000, with nearly 50% coming from local fund raising events. The Community Park continues to flourish as an important village asset for all ages, and with its fund raising and social events being an essential part of village life. New Trustees have joined the organisation as the original members have retired, but the enthusiasm of this small group of dedicated volunteers continues. Additional volunteers, and ongoing support for fund raising activities, are always welcome and are essential to ensuring the future of the Community Park.

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ECPA is a registered charity - 1123311

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28 Main Street 
Eaton 
GRANTHAM 
NG32 1SE 

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01476870934

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eatoncompark@aol.com