A children's play area at the Forest Recreation Ground in Nottingham is set to be transformed by the city council as part of a £340,000 refurbishment scheme part-funded by the government.

Nottingham City Council (NCC) has received nearly £290,000 for the scheme through the play pathfinder initiative, which is a major part of the government's national play strategy and Children's Plan launched in December 2007. An additional £55,245 has been contributed by NCC for the work, which includes the installation of new play equipment and the creation of a new toddler-specific area and a central pirate ship feature.

NCC portfolio holder for communities, leisure and culture, Dave Trimble, said: "This marks a very exciting development on the Forest Recreation Ground and will vastly improve the facilities offered on this site, making it more appealing to families and children living in the area."