Leighton Brook Park

Months of hard work came to fruition on Saturday (November 20) as the new £50,000 ‘natural’ play area at Crewe’s Leighton Brook Park was officially opened.

A short ceremony was held at 2pm where the Mayor of Crewe, Councillor Jacquie Weatherill, planted a tree.

Children who attend the weekly Play Ranger sessions also took part in tree planting.

Everyone then headed to Webby’s Community Centre, on Frank Webb Avenue, for crumpets and hot chocolate.

The innovative facility has been developed after the Council secured funding from the landfill communities funds of Waste Recycling Group, administered by the not-for-profit firm, Waste Recycling Environmental.

The play area is based around the idea of ‘natural play’. This is where children are encouraged to be creative in the way they interact with natural features, such as fallen logs and climbing boulders.

The playground at Leighton Brook Park includes an earthwork wrapping along the back of the multi-use games area and grass-bank seating.

At the base of the embankment are a group of totem poles, carved green oak trees and multiple tyre swings.

As part of the celebrations there was a wider tree-planting event at the park, organised by the Crewe West Community Group.

The trees were donated by the Woodland Trust. The group is now looking for further funding to develop a wildflower meadow at the park.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “This play area is an exciting project that will improve community life in this part of Crewe, and will be enjoyed by children for years to come.”

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “There is no doubt that this project enhances the Cheshire East environment and my congratulations go to all those involved in the project.”

Councillor Roy Cartlidge, ward member for Crewe West, said: “It was a great day and really pleasing to see so many people from the local community come out to celebrate the park’s opening.”

Next Saturday, November 27, there’s a willow-weaving event and a gardening tidy up at Webby’s Community Centre. The event starts at 10am and everyone is welcome.