Ulverston youngsters welcome new-look play area
Written by John Williamson on 18/03/2021
An exciting new play area has opened in Ulverston after an £85,000 overhaul by South Lakeland District Council (SLDC).
The revamped council playground at North Lonsdale Road has been designed to be inclusive for children of all ages and abilities.
Bright and imaginative zoned areas have been created for different age groups, and some of the play features are inspired by Ulverston’s heritage, such as the town’s canal.
The playground refit cost nearly £85,000. Ulverston Town Council contributed £20,000 after applying for a grant from SLDC.
SLDC also gave £20,000 from its Play Capital budget. Other funding came from:
– The National Lottery Community Fund – £20,000
– FCC Communities Foundation – £20,000
– South Lakes Housing – £2,250
– Ulverston Town Council – £1,000
– CGP publishers of Broughton-in-Furness – £1,000.
Sarah Bowman, Funding Officer for The National Lottery Community Fund’s North East and Cumbria Team, said: “We would like to thank National Lottery players for playing, as without their participation we would not be able to fund such good projects.”
The project to revive North Lonsdale Road play area began in autumn 2019 with a consultation of residents, and in summer 2020 a questionnaire was sent to Sir John Barrow School.
Parents kindly helped out with the consultation and the tenders were evaluated by Ulverston Town Council and SLDC. The winning design was chosen for its bright, imaginative zoning and its inclusive features. Further improvements are also being made to the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA).
Cllr Philip Dixon, SLDC Portfolio Holder for Customer and Commercial Services and People, greeted the new-look playground, saying: “It’s fantastic to see children returning to North Lonsdale Road and enjoying themselves outside in the fresh air after spending so much time at home during this past year of Covid restrictions.
“We would encourage everyone to enjoy the play area and look after each other by remembering “Hands, Face, Space”. If the playground looks busy, please come back another time. “Stay safe and have fun” is our message!”
