Community Fun Day

There were spooky goings on in Crewe on Friday (October 29) at a community fun day to celebrate a new £50,000 play area at Leighton Brook Park.

There was pumpkin carving, willow weaving and lantern making at Webby’s Community Centre. Children were also given the chance to earn a ticket to see a 3D film, by taking part in a litter pick.

The Connexions bus also made an appearance, with staff showing children how to make non-alcoholic cocktails.

The event marked the completion of a new ‘natural play’ facility at the park. 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 Fund of Waste Recycling Group Ltd administered by Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd (WREN).

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “This new play area has enhanced the environment and will let children interact with their natural surroundings in a way that they can’t in traditional play areas.

“A lot of hard work has been put in to make this project happen and I want to congratulate all those involved.”

Crewe Mayor, Councillor Jacquie Weatherill, and Councillor Roy Cartlidge, said: “Thanks to funding from WREN and the Council’s commitment to improving community life we have a play area which will benefit children in Cheshire East for years to come.

“The residents have told us what they wanted from the project and their contribution has been vital.”

A full opening ceremony will be held at Leighton Brook Park later in the year.