Vital investment in play areas continues across the borough

In the last 12 months Bury Council has invested £300,000 to refurbish six local play areas, and has firm plans to invest a further £280,000 in seven more starting in April.

The investment recognises the importance of quality, safe, accessible play facilities.

The sites where play areas have been improved since April 2023 are:

• Nuttall Park, Ramsbottom (£90k scheme)
• Philips Park, Whitefield (£50k scheme)
• Bolton Road Park, Radcliffe (£40k scheme)
• Ramsbottom Pool (£40k scheme)
• Thatch Leach Lane, Whitefield (£50k scheme)

A £30k trim trail has also been installed at Burrs Country Park.

Play areas due to be improved over the next 12 months are at:

• Hamilton Road Park, Whitefield (£40k scheme)
• Victoria Park (Besses), Whitefield (£40k scheme)
• Bright Street, Radcliffe (£30k scheme)
• Old Kays Park, Tottington (£40k scheme)
• Top Park, Bolton Road West, Rambsottom (£50k scheme)
• Elms Playing Fields, Whitefield (£40k scheme)
• Ostrich Lane, Prestwich (£40k scheme)

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations, said: “Investing in play areas and well-maintained equipment is so vital for local children - to support their fitness, development and wellbeing, and to provide local safe places to have fun and interact.

“Across the Bury borough we have 62 play areas, 24 ball zones, 11 outdoor gyms and 24 tennis courts. Maintaining the standard of these fantastic public facilities is a priority for the council, recognising the important part they play in improving lives.”

Bury Council maintains 14 Green Flag accredited parks, with most sites having retained the award for numerous years.

The Green Flag Award® scheme is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. It recognises and rewards well-managed sites and sets the benchmark for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

To find local play areas, ball zones, outdoor gyms, tennis courts, ball zones, bowling greens and 3-2-1 routes across the borough of Bury, visit www.bury.gov.uk/playfacilities

ENDS

Press release issued: 18 March 2024.

Picture: At the new play area at Ramsbottom Pool are (from left) Cllr Alan Quinn (cabinet member) and Kevin Dickinson (grounds manager) with play area inspectors.