by Lesley Wilkinson
YOUNGSTERS have helped with the design and choice of play equipment to be used in a £78,000 park improvement scheme.
Children at Lymm got involved in the scheme at Ridgway Grundy Park.
They took part in a survey organised by local parent Steve Towndrow, who volunteered to get input from the young people in the village.
He believes the scheme will add to the “prosperity and standing of the village” and minimise disturbance, as play equipment is sited away from nearby houses.
Warrington Borough Council is funding work including a PlayScape Adventure Zone for eight to 13-year-olds, with money it received from Play England to upgrade borough playgrounds.
Mr Towndrow was helped by Sure Start play development officer Tina Cross and local councillor Sheila Woodyatt.
He researched play equipment, sought advice from specialist organisations and devised an online survey completed by pupils at the four Lymm primary schools and Lymm High.
Results were passed to Lymm Parish Council and the borough council and used in the tender issued to contractors. An artist’s impression of the new look park was displayed on Lymm Library and local schools.
Kieran Walshe, Ridgway Grundy Residents’ Park Association chairman said: “It will be a huge improvement on what is already there. The plans keep the play equipment in the centre of the park, away from houses bordering the park, and make good use of an area which is currently not much used for anything.”
Funds must be spent during the current financial year and work is expected to be completed by the end of March. The existing toddler equipment is also expected to be refurbished.
Mr Towndrow said: “PlayScape will be a wonderful addition to our community, unite kids and families and draw people into the village from neighbouring areas thus increasing the prosperity and standing of Lymm. Details of its grand opening will be released nearer the date.”
Pictured: an artists impression of the revamped park
