BHX COMMUNITY TRUST FUND AWARDS £5,000 TO ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has given £5,000 to a charity which runs an adventure playground enjoyed by hundreds of local young people and families.  

Meriden Adventure Playground Association (MAPA), based in Chelmsley Wood, was awarded the sum by BHX’s independently run Community Trust Fund to build a new piece of play equipment.   

Zoe Hill, General Manager at MAPA, said: “The nature of our site evolves constantly, responding to children and young people, play themes and the degradation of the natural materials we use. We have to fund repairs and developments ourselves and ensure that our staff are fully trained to undertake this work. 

“The funding we have received from the airport’s Community Trust Fund will help us to replace some worn areas, install new equipment and enhance play at the playground, while also ensuring our staff are up to date in their skills and knowledge.”  

The money granted to MAPA will enable it to buy timber, tools and materials for the construction of a new play structure at their site at Moorend Avenue.  

Andy Holding, Corporate Responsibility Manager at BHX, said: “MAPA is just the sort of organisation that the Airport Community Trust Fund was set up to help - local people working tirelessly for the benefit of their community. 

“It’s amazing to see the range of activities that the dedicated team here offer. It’s not just the physical and emotional development this facility offers, but a range of other services are available to support young people and their parents through difficult times.”  

The funding was provided by the BHX Community Trust Fund, which grants of up to £5,000 to community groups in the surrounding neighbourhoods.  

The money awarded to MAPA was part of £46,000 awarded to 12 community organisations as part of the current round of grants. These included:  

• £3,000 to Birmingham Youth Sports Academy in Saltley for football training aids 
• £3,000 to Marsh Hill Allotments Association in Stockland Green for raised beds 
• £5,000 to the Birmingham Hospice in Erdington for refurbishing patient rooms 
• £3,260 to Menopause Knowledge in Castle Bromwich for IT equipment

The Community Trust Fund is fully funded by Birmingham Airport Ltd, but funding decisions are made by eight independent Trustees. This year the airport has contributed nearly £107,000 to the Trust Fund, which also receives any charges made on airlines which breach the airport’s strict noise regulations.  

To find out more information on making an application click here or contact andy.holding@birminghamairport.co.uk.