New Play Area Opens at Masefield Close, Great Harwood
Hyndburn Council today announced the opening of the newly refurbished play area at Masefield Close off Wordsworth Drive in Great Harwood, following generous funding from the FCC Communities Foundation. This new play space marks a significant investment in Great Harwood, ensuring that local children have access to modern, inclusive, and exciting play facilities.
The design of the Masefield Close play area was shaped by extensive input from local residents, families, and schools. Through consultations, including feedback from St. Wulstan’s Roman Catholic Primary School and Great Harwood Primary School, children and their families were able to influence the selection of the equipment, ensuring the play area met their needs and preferences. An online survey that gathered 136 responses further guided the design process, reflecting the community’s aspirations for this much-needed upgrade.
The revamped play area boasts 8 new pieces of equipment designed to cater to children of all ages and abilities. Key features include:
– An inclusive roundabout accessible to children with disabilities.
– A trampoline for active play.
– A cableway (zipline) for older children seeking adventure.
– Multiple slides designed for different age groups.
– Extra swings to accommodate more children.
– Improved access, ensuring the space is welcoming and usable by all.
This project was made possible through the generous contribution of over £98,000 from the FCC Communities Foundation. The not-for-profit business awards grants for community conservation and heritage projects using funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund. Hyndburn Borough Council also provided additional investment to ensure the vision for the play space could be fully realised.
Richard Smith, FCC Communities Foundation Grant Manager, said:
“It’s wonderful to see something we have funded finally open and ready to make such a difference to children and young people in Great Harwood and across Hyndburn. FCC Communities Foundation is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that benefit local communities and this is a great example of what can be achieved.”
Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, Portfolio Holder for Parks and Open Spaces said:
“The new play area at Masefield Close is an example of how collaboration between Hyndburn Council, local community, schools and funders like the FCC Communities Foundation can deliver something truly special. This play area will provide a fantastic space for children to have fun, promote physical activity, and create a more vibrant environment for all.
I’d like to thank FCC Communities Foundation, local schools, and all the residents who contributed to delivering this new facility.”
Councillor Clare Yates, Ward Councillor for Overton, added:
“This upgrade is a tremendous boost for our community. The new play area at Masefield Close provides a safe and enjoyable space for our children and enhances the overall appeal of the neighbourhood.”
Masefield Close is the latest in a number of improvements to play areas and parks across Hyndburn, after earlier this year the play area at Mercer Park, Clayton-Le-Moors was reopened after significant investment.
Masefield Close Play area is now open for public use, with some minor final competition works to follow.
Find out more about parks and open spaces in your area here https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/parks-and-open-spaces/