Summerseat gets new £145k+ play area

A new play area designed in consultation with the local community and with special input from children at Summerseat Methodist School is complete and open for daily play.

The new facilities at the play area were funded by FCC Recycling UK (£99,350), Suez (££49,589) and Bury Council (£20,000). The Summerseat Collective and Proffittsworked in partnership to secure the external funding and consult the community to establish the new design.

The previous play area, improved by the council in 2014, was fully removed during October 2023. Construction of the new facility then continued throughout the winter despite the wet weather. Carried out by J & D Jenkinsons of Brandlesholme, work involved new tarmacked perimeter paths, new safety surfacing, and installation of new play equipment.

The newly constructed play area, which is of a rustic, wooden design, includes:

• · Climbing frame
• · Toddler swing unit
• · Basket swing
• · Steel dish roundabout
• · Ground-level trampoline
• · Aerial runway
• · Trim trail

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations, said: “This incredible play area is packed with exciting activities to support children to learn while they play. Made mostly of wood, it not only complements and blends in with the local surroundings, it’s also more sustainable with less impact on the environment.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to the Summerseat Collective and Proffitts. Their work with the community has produced a play area that will have a positive impact on the local community for many years to come.”

To find public outdoor play facilities across the Bury borough, visit

www.bury.gov.uk/playfacilities

ENDS

Press release issued: 21 March 2024.

Picture: At the new Summerseat play area are (from left) Mike Bent (parks manager), Emma Speed (chair, Summerseat Village Collective), Martin Proffitt and Rachael Gilbert (Proffitts), Lee Fairhurst (deputy chair, Summerseat Village Collective).