Wakefield Council is about to start work on a new play area designed and to be installed by Upton based Sutcliffe Play.
Work starts on the £60,000 play area at Friarwood Valley Gardens in March and will create a natural themed area within the gardens that will attract young children and families to picnic and play.
The area which has been developed following consultation with local volunteer group Friends of Friarwood Valley Gardens, will feature a wide range of equipment for toddlers and juniors including Sutcliffe Play’s new Orchard equipment.
Orchard is a range of environmentally friendly play equipment which encourages physical and imaginative play and social interaction. The wood-based units have been designed to complement natural play settings like Friarwood Valley Gardens. A range of inclusive equipment will also be installed to allow children of all abilities to play side-by-side with each other.
Wakefield Council secured a £60,000 grant for the development of the new play area from WREN (Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd, a non-profit making Environmental Body registered to fund profits which are eligible under the Landfill Communities Fund).
Cllr Maureen Cummings, Cabinet Member for Environment and Communities at Wakefield Council said at Wakefield Council says: “Friarwood Valley Gardens is a designated Grade II Historic Garden and Conservation area so it is important that the play area reflects the natural theme of the gardens. We’ve worked closely with Friends of Friarwood Valley Gardens to ensure the new area complements the environment.
“We believe the new play and picnic area will have a long-lasting positive impact on the local community. Alongside new and exciting play opportunities for children the new seating and picnic benches will encourage a whole new user group of families and young children.”
Work is scheduled to be completed mid-May 2015.
