A new play area aimed at older children is being installed at Whitaker Park
This £184k investment is being delivered by Rossendale Borough Council in partnership with sub-group of Civic Pride Rossendale - The Friends of Whitaker Park community group.
Located on the plateau between the existing play area and the football pitch, the new facility is being installed by leading play equipment specialists Kompan. The scheme marks the first key project from the Whitaker Park Masterplan, marking the first move towards improving the park’s play provision.
The new equipment includes a large 8-metre play structure with two slides, climbing blocks, an embankment slide, a double cableway, and a pendulum swing. In addition to play features, the area will also benefit from new seating, picnic facilities, and a fully accessible pathway to ensure inclusivity for all visitors.
The project has been made possible through £100k grant funding from the FCC Communities Foundation, with the remaining funds provided through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Chair of Civic Pride Rossendale, Lynn Smith, has played an active role in the project’s development to ensure it reflects the aspirations of the local community.
Cllr Liz McInnes, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Housing, Health and Wellbeing, and volunteer for The Friends of Whitaker Park said: "We are thrilled to see the Whitaker Park Masterplan coming to life. This fantastic new facility will offer older children a place to play, challenge themselves and enjoy the outdoors – just in time for the summer holidays."
Construction is expected to take 5–6 weeks, with the play area due to open in time for the school summer break. An official opening event will be held to celebrate the launch with local families and partners.
To accommodate the works, the park’s top car park will be temporarily used as a construction compound. Visitors are kindly asked to use the bottom car park or park on Haslingden Old Road during this period.
Following the completion of the new play area, attention will turn to refurbishing the existing toddler facilities to further enhance the park’s family-friendly offer.