A CHILDREN’S playground has received a £225,000 revamp after an eight-year-old boy formed a group to raise the funds.

Ryan Wells and his mum Michelle Ball, of Rayford Avenue, Lee, set up Northbrook Park Community Group(NPCG) last year to help transform the park’s play area.

Ryan had initially written to the Mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock, wanting the council to do something about the site in Lee.

The schoolboy was told there was not enough funding available from the council but that he could form a community group and seek funding from other sources.

He did just that and eventually managed to raise £225,000 from various groups including the Grove Park Assembly, People’s Millions, London and Quadrant Housing and Groundwork Community Spaces.

Speaking to News Shopper Ryan said: “I wanted to make the park better because it was boring and there was nothing for kids to do.

“It is really good now and all my friends like it. My favourite thing is the splashpad.”

Ms Ball said: “I didn’t think we were going to raise that much money. When you actually start looking, it is amazing how much funding you can find for things the community needs.

“I’m so proud of Ryan, he saw a boy riding on his bike all alone in the street he said to me ‘there should be somewhere they can go’.

“ The 38-year-old added: “The park used to be like a ghost town and Ryan’s vision has transformed it. I used to go there and think ‘I don’t feel very comfortable’ and just leave."

“If Ryan had not written that letter it would still be a derelict park that no one used, but now it is full every day.”

The Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock said: “I first met Ryan in January 2010. It was clear to me from the outset that he was a bright and determined young man. He also had some very good ideas about how Northbrook Park could be improved.

“I am now delighted that after all his efforts and energy he has got what he wanted. Ryan is a fine example to young and old of what active citizens can achieve.”

What the new play area includes

Fencing has been put up around all of the main grass area to make it a no dog zone, allowing children to play without being chased or having to deal with dog mess on the main field.

The play area features:

-Zip wire

-Water splashpad

-Climbing pyramid net

-Basket swing

-Teepee -Toddler roundabout

-Sandpit

-Hammock