Survey launched to gather community ideas for the design of new facility in children's play area at Whitaker Park
Rossendale Borough Council are working alongside Community Interest Company Proffitts – Investing in Communities and several local community groups including The Friends of Whitaker Park, The Whitaker Park Museum, Civic Pride Rossendale, The Rossendale Leisure Trust, and Incredible Edible Rossendale on a project to improve Whitaker Park in Rawtenstall.
As part of the project, the team created a draft Masterplan for Improvements that was shared with park users and residents in Spring 2023. The plan outlined some of the changes that could be made within the park, and an attached survey gave people the opportunity to share their own ideas and suggestions for improving the park too. From the feedback they received, one of the first improvements being considered is an exciting project to upgrade the play offer for children. This would involve improving the existing play area and adding a new junior play space within the park too.
Cllr Liz McInnes from Rossendale Borough Council and Friends of Whitaker Park told us ‘’ It’s wonderful that so many residents and visitors are excited about upgrading Whitaker Park. We know that our parks support the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors across Rossendale, so we think that improving the play facilities is a great idea. Outdoor play is a fantastic way to encourage children to get out into the fresh air, have fun, and get healthy, so we’re delighted to support this.’’
To move the project forward, the group have launched a new survey to see what ideas the community has for the design of the new facility.
Cllr McInnes told us ‘’ The team would really like to find out what people think about these ideas and find out what else local families think should be included in the design of a new play space. It’s a great opportunity to tell us about the play equipment, facilities, and fun details, that you and your children most want to see when you play. The more feedback we get, the more chance we’ll have of creating a space that children will love – so we’d like to hear from as many people as possible.’’
If you would like to share your ideas and suggestions for the design of the new facility, then you can do that here: Whitaker Park Play Survey. The survey will be open until 29th February 2024. After this date, the plans will be finalised, and the fund-raising process will begin.
All other information and updates about the project can be found on the website below: https://www.proffittscic.com/community-projects/whitaker-park-rawtenstall/
Or, if you would like any other information about the project, please contact Martin Proffitt at Proffitts (CIC) on 07989928038 or communities@proffittscic.com