Here are 10 amazing things that children and future generations of pupils at Churchtown Primary School in Southport will love about their brand new playground and library, which was inspired through love of former pupils Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Bebe King.
Excited youngsters saw the transformation for the first time this morning, as they returned to school after the school summer holidays.
Overall, nearly £400,000 has been raised through the families of the girls, by school staff and by members of the community to make the Churchtown Playground a reality.
The new playground and library have been designed to provide children with a wide range of opportunities to play, imagine, create, and grow. Each area has its own special purpose:
1. The Stage
A performance space where children can sing, dance, act, or tell stories. It’s a place for creativity, confidence, and self-expression, where every child has the chance to shine in front of or with their friends.
2. The Climbing Area
An adventurous zone with ropes, ladders, and towers. This space encourages children to challenge themselves, develop resilience, and build strength, while experiencing the joy of reaching new heights.
3. The Library
A peaceful dedicated reading space designed to spark imagination. Children can escape into books, explore fiction and non fiction, and enjoy quiet moments surrounded by stories and ideas.
4. The Bike Track in the Early years playground
A dedicated track for cycling, scooting, and active play. With helmets on and pedals spinning, children can experience and practice balancing, learning to ride and enjoy the freedom of movement.
5. Hideaway Areas
Quiet nooks and dens where children can relax, chat with friends, or take time out alone. These spaces support wellbeing by giving children the choice of calm and reflective play.
6. Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA)
The revamped games space now has dedicated Liverpool and Everton ends, astro-turf surfacing, and new sports markings. It provides a vibrant setting for football , basketball and a variety of other team games, encouraging teamwork and active play.
7. Netball Court
The updated netball court now features a brightly coloured surface with clear new lines, making it safer, more engaging, and ready for competitive play.
8. The Daily Mile Track
Running around the outside of the playground, this track encourages movement and regular exercise, helping children stay active and build healthy habits.
9. Artwork by Tony Wynne (local artist and grandfather of two children at Churchtown)
Tony has created striking artwork across the playground.
● Main mural: A recreation of Alice’s classmates’ artwork, displayed on the wall linking the Early Years and main playground. Benches are placed nearby so pupils, staff, and visitors can sit and reflect. The work is titled ‘Our journey for Alice’.
● Additional Murals: Two further artworks incorporate ballerinas, bees, and butterflies — symbols important to the school community and to Alice and Bebe. The designs also feature words from a poem written by a Year 4 pupil, based on the theme of Hope.
10. A Playground Built with Love
This playground is dedicated to the memory of Bebe and Alice, two children whose joy and spirit inspired the project. Built through community effort and fundraising, the space is a lasting tribute to them, and a gift of play and happiness for generations to come.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
