Delighted children at Churchtown Primary in Southport discovered a brand new playground and library when they returned to school this morning, inspired by two much-loved former pupils.
The stunning transformation was inspired by Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Bebe King.
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.
Around £280,000 has been spent on the new facilities, with extra funds due to be donated to local charities supporting the town’s ongoing recovery.
The playground has been designed around the boundless curiosity of Alice and Bebe, as well as their shared passion for creativity, performance and books.
The amazing new amenities will allow generations of children to experience the joy that Alice and Bebe brought to Churchtown.
They include a new ‘indoor-outdoor’ library, with books donated by benefactors including children’s author David Walliams during his visit to the school last term.
Pupils have also been loving their new performance area, planters and a physical play area where they can run, jump and express themselves.
Beautiful murals have been created over the summer by local artist Tony Wynne.
The names of the girls along with their classmates feature inside hearts on the wall of the playground.
Other features include: the Climbing Area; the Bike Track in the Early Years playground; hideaway areas; a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA); a netball court; and The Daily Mile Track.
In April, Churchtown Primary School Headteacher Mrs Jinnie Payne was among five runners, including Sergio Aguiar, Alice’s dad, and other Trust staff who raised funds for the project by completing the 2025 London Marathon.
She said: “I’m delighted that after months of hard work and determination we have made the Churchtown Playground a reality.
“Our children are going to love what has been achieved with the playground, which will serve as a lasting legacy for Alice and Bebe for generations to come.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the end result and would like to thank everyone in Southport and beyond for their amazing contributions to make the playground possible.”
Endeavour Learning Trust, which Churchtown is a part of, manages nine schools across Lancashire and Merseyside, and has supported Churchtown throughout the playground’s journey.
The construction itself is being overseen by Endeavour’s director of estates and operations, Jack Snowden.
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
