Lancaster MP Cat Smith is preparing to run Morecambe 10K to help the children of Ryelands raise £150,000 for a new community playground.

Ryelands Residents’ Association asked Ms Smith to help them raise awareness of their plans to transform the playground on the estate.

She, along with Yak Patel, chief executive of Lancaster District CVS, will now take on the sponsored run on September 20 to raise funds for this ambitious project.

The new playground will cost around £150,000, and will provide new play equipment, new surfacing, and benches and planting to create a welcoming, natural space for local children and families to relax in.

Cat Smith MP and Yak Patel with members of Ryelands Residents' Association.

placeholder image — Cat Smith MP and Yak Patel with members of Ryelands Residents' Association.

Improving accessibility is also a key priority. Currently grids prevent children in wheelchairs accessing the park, so making sure everyone can get in and enjoy the new kit is a central part of the plan.

The residents’ association is applying to grant funders to raise the majority of the £150,000 but will also be doing local fundraising and taking on sponsored events to match fund and keep the momentum going.

Ms Smith said: ‘I am full of admiration for the work of the Ryelands Residents’ Association. The people of Ryelands have come together and decided that they want to improve their local area, and they’ve made their children’s health and wellbeing their first priority. I can’t wait to lace up my trainers and get running to help with their efforts!’

Chair of Ryelands Residents’ Association Jenny Armer said: ‘The new playground is our biggest plan yet, but when I look at how far we’ve come as a community in just a few years, I know we’ll be able to get there.

Cat Smith MP and Yak Patel in the play area.

"Having somewhere really nice to go, right on their doorstep, will make our children proud of what we can achieve when we all work together.’

Yak Patel, of Lancaster District CVS and a Ryelands resident, said: ‘Creating a new playground has been a passion for the Ryelands Residents' Association for the last four years.

"During that time, local residents haven't just talked about making things better, they've been building the foundations to make it happen.

"Through community events, support services, activities for families and young people, and countless volunteer hours, they have brought people together and created a real sense of pride in the area.”

Cat Smith MP and Yak Patel will be taking part in the Morecambe 10K.

Ryelands Residents’ Association formed in 2022 and meets up every week in term time and is open to all local residents.

They are community led and have already successfully brought together a support hub for local people with stop smoking services, a food bank, exercise club and Citizen’s Advice.

They also run activities for young people who are not in education, employment or training, providing opportunities to develop life skills, build confidence and form positive social connections.

The playground project represents the next chapter in the group's work to create a healthier, more connected and more inclusive community for local residents.

You can contribute to the fundraiser at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ryelands-playground