Playtime boost at gardens (From Warrington Guardian)

Playtime boost at gardens

3:39pm Thursday 15th March 2012 in News

VISITORS to Walton Gardens have been enjoying a new £76,000 adventure playground built after demands for more play equipment.

Plans were put in place after ongoing visitor surveys highlighted requests for more play equipment for an older age group.

The playground, which was opened on Sunday, February 26, features a cableway, basket swing, orbit roundabout and a multi-play unit.

After officially opening the playground the Mayor of Warrington Clr Mike Biggin tested out some of the new equipment.

Clr Kate Hannon, executive board member for leisure, community and culture, said: “People have put a lot of time, hard work and dedication into making this possible and it all paid off when we saw the families having fun on Sunday.”

Funding was provided from a joint venture between Warrington Borough Council and Waste Recycling Environmental Limited (Wren), with help from The Friends of Walton Hall.

Richard Smith, grant manager for Wren Cheshire, Cumbria, Halton and Warrington said: “The project is an excellent example of a dedicated friends group working with the council and park staff to create a facility that can benefit new users. I hope that the area will be used and enjoyed for many years to come.”

Pictured: Opening the new park are Richard Smith, grant manager for Wren Cheshire, Cumbria, Halton & Warrington, Clr Terry O’Neill, leader of the council, Mayor of Warrington, Clr Mike Biggin, Keith Inman, chairman of the Friends of Walton Estate, Clr Kate Hannon, executive board member for leisure, community and culture and Dave Cotterill, parks and woodlands manager