Play time back on as woodland area is rebuilt
COMMUNITY GRANT HELPS PAY FOR NEW EQUIPMENT
IF YOU go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise.
Two years after a children’s adventure playground was dismantled on safety grounds, a new one has gone up.
The wobbly bridge suspended by ropes, swing bars and other equipment in Worsley Woods were taken down after failing health and safety checks.
Installed in 2008, the play area had been an oasis of fun for children and parents. But with wear and tear and the weather, it rotted and became unsafe.
The Woods, along with one of Salford’s nearby old railway routes and the Bridgewater Canal towpath, have been transformed into a popular walkway and cycleway.
Salford City Council and the Worsley Woods Action Group (WWAG) worked together to fund a replacement. The council secured a £43,800 government grant and WWAG launched a crowdfunder which raised £4,000. “We’re very grateful for the support
Work is now complete and the provided by WWAG and it’s a equipment is open for use. Children great example of how we can work can follow activity trails that with community groups to continue weave their way through the improving our parks and woodland. open spaces.
The equipment includes an Paul Hassall from Worsley accessible boat swing, monkey Woods Action Group bars, climbing nets, said: “We were delighted wobble boards and with the community even parallel bars. involvement and
Cllr David Lancaster, we had feedback lead from across Salford, member for which environment demonstrates and community the appeal of safety, this unique said: “The original attraction. adventure “As well as playground was individual donors installed in 2008 we would like to using Section 106 thank Worsley Rotary, money from developers St Mark’s School and but the wooden equipment Bridgewater School for their support. reached the end of its lifespan.
“The woods and play area are “The new playground is an very popular with families so we added attraction to the woods, always planned to replace it. It has along with the new Wildlife Sculpture been delayed slightly by the pandemic but it is now complete. Trail.”
The new playground is an added attraction to the woods, along with the new Wildlife Sculpture Trail. Paul Hassall