Work to revamp children’s play area at Queens Park begins

Work is underway to create an improved play area for children at Queens Park in Crewe.

The work is being funded by a £100,000 landfill communities fund grant from the FCC Communities Foundation and will be carried out by Ansa – Cheshire East Council’s environmental services company. The funding will provide new play equipment, fitness equipment and seating within the play area. 

The community group ‘Friends of Queens Park’ facilitated extensive public research to determine what users wanted to see featured in the park.

The play area was first improved as part of the park restoration that was initially financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2010. Since then, visitor numbers have risen enormously, culminating in a 163 per cent increase during lockdown in 2020. This has brought forward the need for the play area to be refreshed and reinvigorated and to provide even better facilities for the park’s numerous visitors.

Councillor Mick Warren, chair of Cheshire East Council’s environment and communities committee, said: “It’s great to see our vision for this vital community facility moving closer to reality. We are extremely grateful for the funding FCC Communities Foundation has given us and we’re looking forward to opening the revamped play area to the public soon.”

“This is more good news for residents in Crewe and of course the many visitors who come to visit this beautiful park. This positive news follows right off the back of the recent Green Flag Award – there’s never been a better time to visit your local park. This is an improvement in facilities for all, which will encourage more social interaction promoting the joint benefits of positive physical and mental health.”

Richard Smith, FCC Communities Foundation senior grant manager, said: “It’s always nice to see something we have funded start to take shape. We’re delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile project and look forward to it benefiting children and families across Crewe.”

Works are expected to be completed early next year.