An area of public open space at Lynnsport has been protected by Fields in Trust as part of the Active Spaces programme.
The programme secures recreational land development in perpetuity and supports community use of the site.
A plaque has been unveiled by Cllr Alistair Beales, Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk cabinet member for corporate projects and assets, with David Sharman of Fields in Trust, Sarah Ridley of the London Marathon Charitable Trust, and a representative from Alive Leisure, to mark this designation.
Cllr Beales said: "I am pleased that we have been able to work with Fields in Trust to secure this protection for this part of Lynnsport. When we put our development plans together it soon became clear that local people wanted this area protected for recreational use, and I gave an assurance that we would make that happen. Today confirms that commitment. A legally binding Deed of Dedication is now registered with the property deeds which means nothing can happen on or with the site without the prior authorisation of Fields in Trust."
Securing this designation has already brought benefits in the form of a £5,000 grant from the London Marathon Charitable Trust Active Spaces fund for the Come Alive North Lynn family fitness programme. This programme has been developed by Alive Leisure to increase physical activity opportunities for families in the North Lynn area, in particular, women, young people and people that generally live a sedentary, inactive lifestyle.
David Sharman said: "We are delighted that we have not only been able to protect this site, but with our partners, the London Marathon Charitable Trust, also funded a series of activities that will help encourage its use. Green spaces are vital for helping to keep people active and help them feel less isolated. This one is in the perfect location for people in the area to get involved with boot camp-style fitness sessions, women's only jogging and a host of other activities based around fun, fitness and friendship."
Peter Lemon from Alive Leisure joined Cllr Beales and David Sharman on site to launch the Come Alive North Lynn family fitness programme. He added "Securing this initial grant of £5,000 has enabled us to put on a range of activities that wouldn't otherwise be possible. Now the site has its designation we will also be able to bid for further funding to broaden the programme even more. Research shows that using green spaces in this way really helps to motivate people to adopt a more active lifestyle, so this is excellent news all round and we look forward to working with the local community in developing our future programmes for this space."
Sarah Ridley, Chief Grants Officer for The London Marathon Charitable Trust, said: "Since 1981 The London Marathon Charitable Trust has funded a huge range of projects which have inspired millions of people to get active. Delivered in partnership with Fields in Trust, Active Places is our first nationwide funding initiative. It's great to see Kings Lynn & West Norfolk join the long list of inspiring projects which will be permanently protected through funding from The Trust enabling local people to enjoy the benefits of physical activity into the future."