New cash plea after cost of replacing arson hit Doncaster playground hits £100,000

An outdoor climbing area and adventure playground at Sandall Beat Woods was destroyed by fire early in December after being set alight in a suspected arson attack.

A funding campaign was launched by volunteer group Friends of Sandall Beat to raise £10,000 – but the group has now been told by Doncaster Council that the actual cost of reinstating the playground will be £100,000.

In a Facebook post, a spokesman said: “We have had the opportunity to speak with the DMBC department who has responsibility for the play area.

"We are very happy to report that the intention is indeed for a new playground. This will be an opportunity to think about our options in terms of the type of play equipment suitable for the site, the type of materials used and of course, security measures will have to be explored as part of any future works and funding.

"After the fire we set up a GoFundMe page as we were receiving many offers of donations to help to rebuild the play area. In doing so we had to set a target, we didn't have a clue what to expect and were blown away by your generous donations. A massive thank you to each and everyone of you who has donated and offered support .

"However, the cost of such a big project would be substantial, far in excess of the £10,000 target we set. The project will cost in excess of £100,000.”

It said that Doncaster Council are currently attempting to seek capital funding with the group working alongside the authority to secure cash.

It added: “We want to assure you that any money donated to the gofundme page will be earmarked for playground improvements. We will therefore keep this fund open as long as we need to – you never know someone might just donate £100k!Anyone who wants to contribute can donate HERE