A popular Brighton park which has undergone a significant transformation has scooped two more awards.
The Level may still struggle with antisocial behaviour, but the work done by the council’s parks team in designing the playground has earned it a PiPA Lollipip award for inclusive play from the Sussex Heritage Trust.
And earlier this summer, the park was awarded a Green Flag for the third year running, putting it among the best parks in the country.
Councillor Gill Mitchell, chair of the council’s Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee, said: “I’m delighted that The Level has yet again gained national recognition with these two prestigious awards.
“One of the main aims of the Level Restoration Project was to ensure that the park was fully accessible and could be enjoyed by all members of our community.
“Therefore it’s very rewarding to know that we have achieved our aims, and that our play facilities have been singled out for an award from PiPA.
“These awards are a real credit to all those who worked on the project and those who continue to ensure that the Level remains safe, enjoyable and accessible for all.”
The PiPA award recognises The Level’s ‘exceptional inclusive play opportunities’ for children and young people.
The Sussex Heritage Trust Public & Community Award recognises high quality restoration and the provision of improved facilities for the community.
When The Level was restored in 2013, council officers worked with consultants Land Use, local community groups and families to create a play area which captured the imaginations of children at every developmental level.
Highlights of the play area include oak orbs which jingle and move, ‘The Butterfly,’ a seesaw where children can lie down, stand up, or sit with friends or family and an accessible roundabout.
The Level will now appear on the national PiPA map as a national “destination park”. On Friday (Oct 21st) at 2pm Mayor Pete West will receive an exclusive Pipa ‘Lollipip’ which will go on display in the park.
And of course there were the Moaners when it was proposed in 2011. In particular, the future cllr Morris turned up at Council meetings to speak with an accusatory sneer on his face.