Revamped play area for Rastrick children

Work has been completed at Oaklands play area with improvements including a brand new toddler area, basket swing, monkey bars and climbing poles as well as a seating area for parents.

The project was designed in partnership with children from the nearby Longroyde Junior School, who came up with ideas for what they would like to see.

The project has been funded by Calderdale Council, the community fundraising group ‘Your Back Yard’ and Big Local lottery funding from Rastrick Big Local.

It has been overseen by Rastrick Plays Better, a partnership of local residents and other local stakeholders.

Susan Press, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, said: “It’s great news that the play area at Oaklands has been very much improved.

“I’m sure that the new equipment will be very popular, particularly as local school children had a say in what they wanted in their nearby park.

“This is a great example of community groups and the council working together to improve facilities for local people.”

Michelle Kite, secretary of Rastrick Plays Better, said: “When Rastrick Big Local asked people what they were the biggest priorities, they said a shortage of activities for young people, and improvements to the parks.

“Oaklands particularly needed work and now it’s a state-of-the-art play ground.”

The works to Oaklands are part of a programme of improvements to play areas that will see three further parks and play areas improved across the Lower Valley area over the coming months.

Next month sees work start on Carr Green, with Thornton Road seeing developments start in Autumn.

The project finishes with Burnstall Road next spring.