The families of two girls who were murdered in Wild Park almost 40 years ago returned for the opening of a new adventure playground dedicated to their memory.
Nine-year-old best friends Karen Hadaway and Nicola Fellows were killed in October 1986 in a case known as the Babes in the Wood murders.
Both mothers, Michelle and Sue, and other relatives joined the mayor of Brighton and Hove Amanda Grimshaw at a ceremony this week.
The official opening took place after local girls took part in a football training session with coaches from the Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation, formerly Albion in the Community.
Brighton and Hove City Council has been working on the £500,000 project alongside the girls’ families to provide a lasting tribute and create a space for the local community to enjoy.
The play area, which is aimed at older children, follows the earlier opening of the neighbouring multi-use games area and sports court and nearby outdoor gym.
The latest phase of the project was made possible through a £200,000 investment by the council in addition to the £300,000 first phase.
It was inspired by a much-loved former adventure playground, fondly remembered by families in Moulsecoomb in the 1960s and 1970s, and includes bespoke equipment designed specifically for the site by specialists Kompan.
Nicola and Karen’s names are featured in the playing surface, providing a lasting memorial to the young friends.
This element was designed in partnership with the families of the two girls, including relatives who visited the play area earlier this week for the official opening.
The event held this week was run by the Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation which provides weekly free community football sessions in Moulsecoomb and across Brighton and Hove, funded by the Premier League Charitable Fund.
The event recreated an all-girls football tournament which took place many years ago in memory of Nicola and Karen.
Every girl who took part received a medal and personal congratulations from the mayor – and there are plans to make the tournament an annual event.
Nicola’s uncle, Nigel Heffron, said that there was a trophy when the tournament was last played, about 25 years ago, and asked anyone who knew where it was to get in touch.
As the mayor officially opened the play area, she praised the families and the local community and said that she hoped that the site would become a lasting celebration of the lives of Nicola and Karen.
Councillor Grimshaw said: “This has been such an important project – not just for the teams from the council and Kompan which have been working so hard to deliver such a fantastic facility but, more importantly, for the families of Nicola and Karen and the other representatives of the local community in Moulsecoomb who have been so instrumental in helping make it a reality.
“I have absolutely no doubt that this area will become a popular place for families, children and young people to meet, play, build friendships and make lasting memories together.
“It is fitting that the design not only enables that but also incorporates such a beautiful celebration of Nicola and Karen at its heart.”
Michelle Hadaway praised Steve Hyder and his project team from the council parks department as well as the contractors for the thought and the work that had gone into the play area and the dedication to Karen and Nicola.
I think it’s fantastic to have this playground, I was born in moulscoomb and remember this when it first happened, as a child I spent every summer holiday playing over the wild park with my friends very happy memories but when this happened to those poor girls it tarnished my memories, so to celebrate those little girls like this is the right thing g to do and I hope it helps the families. Regards Susan
Will this be look after and clean up as well in the winter time then