Location:
Nautical Theme Playground at Derby Park with a Twin MUGA
Bootle
Merseyside
Wicksteed bring boating theme to a bit of Bootle
Green islands, bright boats and sandy beaches all conjure up a happy feeling and Wicksteed have achieved this in their nautical theme for Derby Park, Bootle. The revamped site, once home to a large lake, now represents a colourful, "lagoon-locked" area full of brand new play equipment. Not only is there a separate area for the junior age range, but twin Ballcourts and a Cableway have also been installed to challenge and exercise the older age group.
Opened in August by Councillor Lord Ronnie Fearn, this extensive scheme was part of a partnership with organisations such as the Children's Fund (launched in 2000 as part of the government's commitment to tackling disadvantaged children & young people), Neighbourhood Renewal Unit (NRU) - responsible for overseeing the Government's comprehensive neighbourhood renewal strategy - and the Housing Trust. Considerable consultation was carried out for this project involving discussion with schools and youth clubs prior to Wicksteed's theme being chosen.
Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, dedicated to providing what the public want, even carried out a "Post Work Survey" at the opening during which over 50 people took part. Mark Shaw, Parks and Greenspace Manager for Sefton Council, was keen to point out that the playground is, in fact, rather more than it first appears; "It is more of a play arena, encompassing a wider area with a natural amphitheatre for free play, etc, in which there is a 130m long adventure trail - the longest Wicksteed have ever installed!" The general public were asked how they rated their new play park and quality of products, workmanship etc and everyone was very satisfied. The in depth consultation that has been carried out inspired Sefton Council to apply for the Institute of Leisure Amenities (ILAM) Innovation Award, the result of which is awaited.
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