Jungle gym for park thanks to £98k grant
PLANS for a new state-of-the-art children’s play area at Denehurst Park are in full swing after a £98,048 grant was secured.
Rochdale council and the Friends of Denehurst Park are celebrating a successful bid that will transform the play area into the borough’s first inclusive play park.
The funding came from Viridor Credits Environmental Company, through the Landfill Communities Fund, and has been match funded by the council.
Work is due to start this month and the new park will include traditional equipment such as slides, a roundabout and a jungle gym adapted to make it suitable for all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The pirate-themed playground, set to be completed by spring, will be built next to the current play area and will include a sectioned off area for toddlers and relaxed seat- ing areas.
The Friends of Denehurst Park and the council consulted with local primary schools and MENCAP, as well as Redwood School, which has been closely involved in the park regeneration.
The new equipment has been chosen specifically to encourage imaginative social play and help children to develop sensory and motor skills.
The park is halfway through a major council investment that has seen the installation of new footpaths, improved drainage, an orchard containing scores of apple, pear, plum and cherry trees and a wildflower meadow.
Coun Neil Emmott, the council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “We’re fortunate to have a number of beautiful parks in the borough, with 10 having flag status.
“The ambitious improvement programme has totally transformed Denehurst Park over the last two years and there’s more yet to come.
“This new play area heralds a new era for the park and shows our commitment to the renovation of the area.”
Gareth Williams, operations manager at Viridor Credits, said: “Investment in our green spaces is an essential component in a community’s wellbeing.
“The Viridor Credits board was impressed by the community input into the project and we are pleased to award a substantial grant to the Friends group.”
Anyone interested in volunteering in the park or joining the friends group should email friendsofdenehurstpark@outlook.com.