The refurbished toddler play area at Whitaker Park has officially reopened following a £143,000 transformation project led by Rossendale Borough Council. Local children are already enjoying the new equipment, which includes a large play unit with a tube slide, an inclusive roundabout with wheelchair access, accessible picnic benches, interactive play panels, and a rotating Wee-Hopper.
Youngsters can also try out a spinning bowl, a train with a ticket office, and a spring rider. Existing swings have been repainted and fitted with new seats, while toddler units and tunnels have been fully refurbished. The entire play area has been resurfaced with soft bonded rubber mulch to create a safer environment, and a decaying timber fence has been replaced with a durable composite alternative.
Community Priority Delivered
The project was identified as a top priority by local families during community consultations for the wider park masterplan. The upgrade brings the toddler zone up to the same modern standard as the junior play space, which was completed last year.
Councillor Adrian Lythgoe, lead member for environment at Rossendale Borough Council, said: “We’re delighted that the newly refurbished toddler play area is now open and ready for families to enjoy.”
Quality Assurance Before Reopening
Councillor Lythgoe added: “We appreciate that families have been looking forward to using the new facilities. Although the reopening took a little longer than originally planned, it was important that the issues with the surfacing were fully resolved and that the play area met the standards we expect before opening.”
The finished area is designed for children aged two to eight, with a focus on safety and accessibility. The inclusive roundabout and accessible picnic benches ensure that children of all abilities can participate.
Major Improvement for Park Visitors
Councillor Lythgoe continued: “The finished area looks fantastic and provides a safe, welcoming and enjoyable space for younger children. Together with the junior play area, it represents a major improvement to the facilities available at Whitaker Park.”
The park serves families across Newchurch, Bacup, Rawtenstall, and Haslingden, and the new play space is now open to the public.
