An Isle of Wight children’s play park is now complete, five years after it opened in memory of six-year-old Keziah Flux-Edmonds.
The ribbon was cut yesterday (Wednesday 31st January 2024) at the Bumblebee Garden in East Cowes by Keziah’s mother, Nikki, where the latest, and last, piece of equipment was unveiled.
Nikki thanked everyone who had supported her in raising the money for the equipment and said it was a lovely final piece in place.
Murdered by her father
The playground, opposite Queensgate Primary School, was created in memory of Keziah, who was murdered by her father in June 2016.
The park opened in 2018, two years after her death, and has been enjoyed by children from across the Island since.
Three years of fundraising
The climbing frame and slide have been installed — a little later than hoped due to the weather and financial issues — after three years of fundraising.
Nikki set up the charity, Kezi’s Kindness, following the death of her daughter, to make children smile.
Mother diagnosed with cancer
Nikki said the new equipment was probably the best thing to happen this year as she revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer.
She said,
“This may be the last big thing that I do but I will continue doing Kezi’s Kindness for as long as I can.
“This is something to leave behind and feel proud of as it is very special to have.
“I cannot think of anything that would bring a smile more than this park now, especially for this area.
“It is beautiful, it is everything I wanted it to be and it will last for a while, where children can play on it over time and that is the most important thing.
“I stood up on the equipment earlier as I just had to stand there like she would, with her arms back like she was on top of the world and that is the feeling I want the children to have.
“They can run around and have something extra to play with, to escape the pressures of life and have fun.”
Provide space to connect
Nikki hoped the play park would allow parents to chat with each other and perhaps provide a boost to one another when they are feeling low.
Mayor of East Cowes, Tracy Reardon, said the very special piece of play equipment had been a long time coming and was provided thanks to the immense hard work of Nikki and her team.
Reardon: A lasting legacy for Keziah
She said,
“I am sure the children will thoroughly enjoy it as the time goes on.
“It will be a lasting legacy for Keziah and Nikki should be very proud of herself.”
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
