Client: Rossendale Borough Council
Value: £130,000.00
The redevelopment of the play area in Weir was delivered as a collaborative project between Rossendale Borough Council and Proffitts – Investing in Communities, with the aim of creating a modern, inclusive, and engaging outdoor space for local children and families. The scheme transformed the existing playground into a vibrant community asset that promotes active play, social interaction, and healthy lifestyles while providing a welcoming environment for residents of all ages.
Community play areas play a vital role in supporting the physical, social, and emotional development of children. They provide safe and accessible spaces where young people can develop confidence, coordination, and communication skills through play, while also encouraging outdoor activity and reducing sedentary behaviour. The Weir play area was designed with these benefits in mind, creating a destination that encourages families to spend time outdoors and strengthens connections within the local community.
As part of the improvement works, the existing climbing frame was extended to provide greater opportunities for adventurous and imaginative play. The outdated trim trail and timber toddler unit were removed and replaced with a range of new toddler and junior play equipment designed to cater for a variety of ages and abilities. New features included a zipline, basket swing, and sandpit, offering a diverse range of play experiences that promote both physical activity and creative exploration.
To further enhance the play environment, a number of natural play elements were incorporated throughout the site, including stepping stones, tunnels, boulders, and landscaped earth mounds. These features encourage children to interact with their surroundings, develop problem-solving skills, and engage in unstructured play, which is increasingly recognised as an important component of childhood development.
The project also included wider environmental and landscaping improvements designed to create an attractive and sustainable community space. Additional seating areas were installed to provide comfortable spaces for parents, carers, and visitors, while new trees and wildflower planting enhanced the site’s biodiversity and visual appeal. A formal woodland path was created amongst the existing trees, encouraging exploration of the natural environment and improving accessibility throughout the site.
A particularly important aspect of the scheme was the involvement of local children in the design process. Colourful signage, designed by pupils from Northern Primary School, was incorporated into the completed playground, fostering a sense of ownership and pride within the community.
The completed play area has become a valuable recreational hub for Weir, providing a safe, inclusive, and attractive space that supports children’s wellbeing, encourages outdoor activity, and brings families and the wider community together.
