A PLAY area is getting upgraded.
Funding has been approved for a £182,818 refurbishment of the Belmont Road Play Area in Rudheath.
New swings, trimtrails, breakout zones, interactive panels, roundabouts and climbing frames will be installed, all designed to be as inclusive as possible.
This follows months of consultation with members of the local community, including Maylinda Gaunt, whose son James is autistic and non-verbal.
She said: “Working on the all-inclusive play park project was truly an honour.
“This cooperative initiative created a play area that not only catered to the needs of disabled children but also allowed them to actively participate in the park activities.
“The impact of this inclusive space was truly life-changing for the children, providing them with opportunities for fun and social interaction that were previously inaccessible.
“It was heart-warming to see how the play park brought joy and a sense of belonging to all children, regardless of their abilities.
“The success of this project underscored the importance of creating inclusive spaces that cater to the needs of every individual.”
Also involved in the project was Diane Dixon, who said: “As a parent of a child with additional needs it was great to be involved in the new design of Belmont Park, together with other parents with children of different abilities has enabled our voices to be heard and create an inclusive safe space we can all enjoy”
The refurbishment will cost £182,818, with around half of this coming from Section 106 contributions, Rudheath & Witton Together, Cheshire West and Chester Council member budgets and Northwich Town Council.
A £94,965 grant from FCC Communities Foundation, a not-for-profit business, will cover the rest of the costs.
Penny Horne, FCC Communities Foundation grant manager, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Belmont Road Play Area improvements project and pleased our funding will provide such a fantastic facility for children and young families across Northwich.
“FCC Communities Foundation is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that make a difference to local communities and we’re really looking forward to seeing this one take shape soon.”
Northwich Town Mayor, Cllr Kate Cernik, hopes the new play area will be ready to use by March, 2025.
She said: “This project will provide a real boost to the community around Belmont Road and it’s fantastic that FCC Communities Foundation has awarded us this money and we’re really looking forward to our play area taking shape over the coming months.
Mid Cheshire MP Andrew Cooper added: “This is the last project I was involved with as a Northwich town councillor and I am absolutely delighted that the funding has been secured.
“This is great news for people in Belmont as it will not only help deliver a new play area, but a wealth of accessible and sensory play equipment for the first time in Rudheath.
“It should be a source of pride that the project was co-produced with SEND parents from the local community, and that the process and final design will be a model for future play area refurbishments.
“Congratulations to everyone at Northwich Town Council for making this happen.”
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