Through 2016, PPR raised funding to brighten up the well-used but unsightly playground in Apsley Road.  We held two work days, where groups of local residents, including a dozen young citizenship scheme volunteers, cleared overhanging vegetation, painted bright designs on the walls and decorated the wire fence with bright fluttering ribbons.

In March 2017 the playground was again transformed with fabulous street art. The work was organised by PPR, using funding from the local councillors’ delegated ward budget. We had help from Rob Swain of Gamma Proforma at 14 Portland Road, who introduced us to the artist, Will Barras.

The work took all day, and children from Oasis Academy Ryelands came along to give ideas for themes and objects that they’d like to see included in the mural. Their school ‘Circle of Inclusion’ was added to acknowledge their input.

More work is planned in the playground, and we are considering installing a new piece of play equipment to replace one piece that was removed because it was unsafe.

These are some of the things residents have said

“Love it! Just noticed it today!”

“Well done. Love it when things get done for the little ones”

“Awesome”

“Just what South Norwood needs. Thank you to the artist for the beautiful work”

“Love it – will go and look next week! Well done to the artists”

“Fantastic!”

“Looked amazing in the sun”

“I love it, so bright & perfect for inspiring kids play. Looking forward to checking it out with the little ones”

PPR are currently arranging for the rest of the walls to be similarly painted, again by Will Barras and are hoping to raise more funds to install a new piece of play equipment to replace the ‘Spider’ that had to be removed because it was unsafe.