Leighton Brook Park

 

An innovative new £50,000 play area in Crewe’s Leighton Brook Park has been completed and a community fun day is being planned to celebrate.

Residents across Cheshire East are being encouraged to go along to the park this Friday (October 29) to see the new play area and take part in the activities.

The facility is based around ‘natural play’. This is where materials such as climbing boulders, fallen logs and stepping stones are used to encourage physical exercise with an element of managed risk and creativity.

Local adults and children all had their say on the ‘natural play’ designs.

The final version includes an earthwork wrapping along the back of the multi-use games area, and grass bank seating.

From this embankment children can relax, climb and observe. At the base of the landform will be a group of totem poles, carved green oak trees and multiple tyre swings.

The funding has come from the Landfill Communities Funds of Waste Recycling Group Ltd administered by Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd (WREN).

Leighton Brook Park is a 10-hectare open space located in the west end of Crewe. It is the only significant recreational facility in the wards of St Barnabas, Grosvenor and Coppenall.

This Friday’s event will start at 10am with a litter-pick, when local children who help out can earn a free ticket to see a 3D film. In the afternoon there is pumpkin carving, willow weaving and lantern making.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “This new play area will encourage children to play, socialise and exercise together.

“It is obviously not structured like a normal play area and I think children will appreciate the independence of choosing how to interact with the new environment.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to attend the event on October 29 and enjoy the activities.”

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “This is an exciting project that has changed the landscape of the park for the better. I hope children enjoy exploring the many different features of the new play area.

“This part of Crewe is a high priority for regeneration and I am certain that this development will improve local residents’ quality of life.”