AN OXFORDSHIRE park, including a brand new skate ramp, is set to be officially opened later this month after more than £150,000 was raised by the community.

Activate: Madley Park was set up by the Madley Park Residents Association (MPRA) in Witney and is now looking forward to an official opening on Saturday, March 28.

The play area is designed for both young and teenage children and includes a new zip wire, multi-use games area and a skate ramp which older children will be able to benefit from.

Kat Quigley, a member and fundraiser for MPRA, said: “I’m delighted to say that after more than two years of fundraising, more than £156,000 has been raised.

“This is a culmination of four years of hard work led by the association.

See also: Driver in hospital after head-on crash

“It was identified by the community that there wasn’t a facility for the children, as the equipment was very outdated.

“What we have created now is an area for younger people and for the local schoolchildren.

“Also, for the older children, the kids really, really wanted a skatepark which we can now provide for them.

“The park has been open for the last week and it’s been amazing to see it packed every day.

“It’s been really interesting to see how much it has already brought the community together, I’ve met parents who I’ve never met before.

“It’s also been cross generational as the other day my children were helped by some teenagers who showed them how to skate on the skate park so it really is bringing everybody together which is great.”

Read more: Coronavirus: What's going to happen with care homes?

Funding has come from a variety of avenues, including town, district and county councils, foundations, and a notable donation from Sport England.

Miss Quigley added that numerous community fundraising activities and events have also helped contribute to the figure.

The park has recently been installed by Sutcliffe Play, a national playground designers with over 100 years experience in the industry, and provides a range of play equipment for children of all ages and abilities.

Miss Quigley, 37, said: “Springfield Special School is next to the park and it was important that there were a number of items that were appropriate for children with disabilities or additional needs.”

With this in mind, disabled-friendly park activities including a wheelchair trampoline, have been installed.

See also: Woman pulled to floor by man from behind this morning

In terms of the grand unveiling, the park will get a special cutting of the ribbon ceremony at midday.

Miss Quigley said: “The official opening day will recognise what an amazing effort this has been and acknowledge everybody’s hard work.

“It really has been a massive community effort and there’s been all sorts of fundraising events, which has led to this incredible success story.”

The MPRA has ten members and the lengthy project has been led by five of them, although Miss Quigley was quick to point out that ‘tens and hundreds’ more had been involved in the fundraising throughout the process.

Madley Park is situated in the northeast of the town.