Childhood dreams come true for Hala community
New recreation ground in Hala
A day of fun and games and the cutting of a cake marked the official opening of a new family play and recreation area at the heart of Hala Estate in Lancaster.
For the last two years, Hala Community Group has been working with Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council to develop designs and raise funds for a new recreation ground on the open space between Abbeystead Drive and Claughton Drive and which would provide play on both sides of Burrow Beck.
A combination of funding towards the project from Lancaster City Council (£8,500), Lancashire County Council (£8,500), Lottery Community Spaces Groundwork UK (£49,999), Lancashire Environmental fund (£30,000), as well as funds raised by the community group has seen the recreation area develop in phases.
The installation of a mixture of natural and traditional play equipment and pathways, mounds, an activity trail, a jungle climber, seating areas and a bridge over the beck is now complete and the Hala Community Group invited everyone to come along to celebrate its official opening on Saturday July 21 from 2pm – 4pm.
Activities included a balloon race, inflatable fun, face painting, displays from the Fire and Police services and loads more.
The winner of an art competition arranged with local schools will also see their artwork displayed on the cake which was cut to announce the opening of the play area.
Commenting on the news, Selena Sykes, Chair of Hala Community Group, said: “Our dream to provide somewhere safe and exciting for local children to play and families to enjoy has now come true. It’s not been easy but seeing the play area bustling with activity every day and being enjoyed by children of all ages, it’s certainly been well worth the effort.
“Thanks must go to Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council who have held our hand every step of the way and enabled us to tap into the sort of fundraising we needed to be able to provide a quality community resource which we hope the community will take care of and great pride in for years to come.”
Coun David Smith, Lancaster City Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for Environmental Services, said: “This is brilliant news for the Hala community. Hala Green is the ideal natural location for a facility such as this and I am sure it will attract and be of benefit to many young people.”
County Coun Joan Jackson, who has also approved more than £2,000 towards the play area from her Local Councillor Grant, said: "A lot of planning and hard work has gone into the new play area and the official opening will be a very happy day for Hala.
"The play park at Burrow Beck is an excellent example of partnership working between Lancaster City and Lancashire County Councils. Adventurous outdoor play is a very important part of growing up as well as being great fun."
Date Updated: 23/07/12