Borough’s recreation areas benefit from revamp

A major revamp has taken place of the borough’s leisure and recreation spots as part of the council’s long-term strategy to raise the standard of local amenities.

The municipal parks strategy sets out the council’s long-term ambitions for bringing local parks and outdoor recreation areas up to a consistently high standard and to explore alternative avenues of funding and management.

The council has invested £500,000 in Browns Lane recreation area, in Wilmslow. This will enable the site to be transformed into a small neighbourhood park for people of all ages.

The park includes an accessible path with seating for rest and relaxation, a play area with many inclusive play opportunities, a multi-use games area and an informal natural turf ‘kick about’ pitch. A sustainable drainage system has been installed and this includes an attractive new pond.

In line with the council’s municipal parks strategy, the money has come from developer contributions linked to new housing developments. It provides a much-needed recreation facility for the Wilmslow and Dean Row area and represents a further achievement in the council’s long-term ambitions for sustainable quality parks and outdoor amenities.

Councillor Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council cabinet member with responsibility for green spaces, said: “This project has been eagerly anticipated amongst many local residents keen to have this green space transformed. I’m delighted that the work is progressing so well. There is still more to do, such as signage installation and tree planting, but the project is well on its way in allowing local families and young children to benefit from a first-class recreation park.

“The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the value and importance of our outdoor green spaces as the country has moved into a second national lockdown.

“The council has always been committed to the long-term improvement of our parks and open spaces owing to the health benefits they bring to our communities.”

Councillor Toni Fox said: “As local ward member, I am delighted that the long awaited for improvements have been made to what was previously an underused recreation area.  This is a fantastic local facility that has been funded by developer contributions. It has been designed to be of benefit to residents of all ages year round, and is within walking distance for many who live in the Dean Row area, meaning they no longer have to drive to other places.

“I’d like to thank Ansa for all their assistance, particularly in relation to the extensive public consultations they carried out with local residents at the design stage of the scheme. Thank you also to the contractors for all their hard work and for keeping the project on schedule.”

The council works with a large number of local ‘friends groups’, parish and town councils to deliver its strategy and ensure that all its parks and green spaces meet local needs.

Each year the council undertakes a number of park and play area improvement projects in towns across the borough. The local community is always involved in the design and takes part in a consultation to check that they are supportive of the plans.