Children in Rastrick now have a brand new state-of-the-art play area, after a £45,000 refurbishment programme.
Work has just been completed at Oaklands play area in Rastrick. The improvements to the site include a brand new toddler play area, basket swing, monkey bars and climbing poles for older kids, and a new path and seating area for parents.
The project was designed in partnership with children from the nearby Longroyde Junior School, who came up with ideas for what they would like to see in their local park.
The works are part of a programme of improvements to play areas that will see four parks and play areas improved across the Lower Valley area over the course of the next few months.
The project has been funded by Calderdale Council, the community fundraising group Your Back Yard and Big Local lottery funding from Rastrick Big Local . It has been overseen by Rastrick Plays Better, a partnership of local residents and other local stakeholders.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, Cllr Susan Press, said:
“It’s great news that the play area at Oaklands has been very much improved. I’m sure the new equipment will be very popular, particularly as local school children had a say in what they wanted in their nearby park.
“This is a great example of community groups and the Council working together to improve facilities for local people.”
Tony Mullin, a director from Your Back Yard, a local community regeneration company which has been supporting the group, said:
“Rastrick Plays Better got a grant from Big Local to get us going, we helped them treble that with bids to other funders, and with support from the Council. As a result thousands of kids and parents across Rastrick will have a first class play area to enjoy. Well done Rastrick Plays Better!”
Michelle Kite, the secretary of Rastrick Plays Better, said:
“When Rastrick Big Local asked people what they were the biggest priorities, they said a shortage of activities for young people, and improvements to the parks. Oaklands particularly needed work, now it’s a state-of-the-art play ground.
“Next month work starts on Carr Green, with the development of a toddler track for kids to learn to ride, a track for older children and a new zip wire. In Autumn we will be improving Thornton Road and then Burnsall Road next Spring. Not bad for 18 months work!”
ENDS