New play area is now open at Marbury Park

A new play area has now opened at Marbury Country Park, Northwich following a joint project between Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Friends of Anderton and Marbury (FoAM).

The new facilities consist of a bespoke outdoor play area with new play equipment, picnic tables and seating, interpretation boards, landscaping, planting, fencing and improved footpath connections, plus new surfaced areas.

The old play area at Marbury Park was identified in the borough’s Play Strategy and the Council’s Play Improvement Plan as in need of full replacement.  A full community consultation took place during 2018 and 2019 and there was widespread support for a new play facility.

A project team was created in 2018 which included representation from the Council and FoAM, together with engagement with local ward members.  It was tasked with preparing ideas on how best the play area at Marbury Park could be improved, delivery on the ground and how the required funding could be secured.

These latest improvements are part of a wider strategic plan at the Park to improve access throughout much of the area, whilst adding play value and accessibility for more users within a new play area itself.  The play area is themed to offer some interpretation of the history of the site, through play.

Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Councillor Louise Gittins said:  After months of hard work, I’m delighted the new Marbury Park Play Area is now open.

“A wonderful ‘story time’ carved seat has been provided by volunteers to create a focal point, it looks fantastic within the newly seeded wildflower zone, which creates a ‘natural play’ area.

“A lovely additional touch is the ‘Marbury Hall’ sign board and ‘Country Club’ crest which provide a historic angle to the play space.  I’m sure there will be many very happy children enjoying this play area this summer.”

The new play area location is a more centrally located site, adjacent to the existing park offices.  This provides the opportunity to make use of adjacent picnic areas, toilet facilities, footpaths and the Marbury Park education hub.

This project was made possible following a successful £100,000 grant from funding body FCC Communities Foundation together with additional funding secured from Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Additional funding has also made it possible to improve access tracks and routes around and within the park area to bring the whole space a much-needed uplift for accessibility.

Pictured - Group photo at the opening event (left to right):

• Jason Lambert - Cleaner Greener Streets Officer, CW&C
• Mary Jeeves – Friends of Anderton and Marbury (FoAM)
• Alan Redley - Chair of FoAM
• Richard Smith - Senior Grant Manager, FCC Communities Foundation Ltd
• Rebecca Irving – Environment Development Officer, CW&C
• Dave James – Greenspace Officer, CW&C
• Cllr Phil Marshall – Marbury ward member and Shadow Cabinet Member for Democracy, Workforce and Localities
• Cllr Norman Wright – Marbury Ward Member
• Mike Holmes CMLI - Landscape Architect, Total Environment, CW&C