Published: 23/03/2021
A PLAY area in Cleator Moor is about to be transformed into an activity hub for all ages and abilities.
The new attraction will have zones for toddlers, older children and those who want to get really active.
Mayor of Copeland, Mike Starkie, said: "This amazing new facility is being funded by £102,000 from the £500,000 Cleator Moor Town Deal accelerated funding. It really will have something for everyone - all the play components have been carefully thought out and the town centre location is ideal.
"All in all, it is an excellent use of the funding, directly addressing a grass-roots community need. I look forward to seeing the finished park filled with active youngsters in a few weeks' time."
The new play area will include:
* An enclosed Toddler Zone with seesaws, a swing and a crocodile bench.
* An Inclusive Zone for older children, incorporating a tower climbing frame, a five-way swing and a cableway.
* An Active Zone, an exercise area with an obstacle course to run, walk, jump, crawl and climb on, and a cross-training zone for workouts.
The active zone is complemented with a free mobile app which shows users different workout routines for the equipment.
The accelerated funding has also been used to improve access from the play park on to the nearby C2C cycle path.
Towns Fund projects are identified by the community, through the creation of Town Boards. The board of local representatives, supported by Copeland officers, helped identify the community's needs and preferences, so that the funding could be targeted appropriately.
Kayleigh Daniels, Chairwoman of the Cleator Moor Town Board, said: "The timing really couldn’t be better. As we move towards summer and out of lockdown, we are excited to see work progressing on the Jacktrees Road park.
"The Town Board wanted to see this space brought to life in a way that suited all members of our community, with areas for young families and toddlers, older children and an Active Zone with outdoor fitness equipment to cater for all ages and abilities. Now we just can’t wait to try it out!”
Copeland Council successfully bid for £500,000 of immediate Towns Fund money for Cleator Moor, while the outcome of the main funding bid of up to £25m should be revealed later this month. The remainder of the accelerated funding has been used for cycleway improvements (now complete) and a new 3G pitch at Cleator Moor Bowls and Activity Centre, due to start in the next few weeks.
The Jacktrees Road play park will close on Wednesday, March 24, for four to six weeks while work takes place.
