Wicksteed, Groundwork and M&S Bring Play to Wigan
The children of Vauxhall Road, Wigan, will soon be able to run, jump and swing again in a newly re-generated playground funded by money raised by the Marks & Spencer 5p plastic bag charge. All profits* from this scheme are going to environmental charity Groundwork to invest in creating or improving ‘greener living spaces’ such as parks, play areas and gardens in neighbourhoods around the UK.
Environmentally aware UK play company, Wicksteed Playscapes has been selected by Groundwork Lancashire West & Wigan to equip a much needed play area for one of the first five M&S ‘Greener Living Spaces.’
Working on behalf of the environmental charity and Scholes Youth Action Group, Wicksteed will use its extensive knowledge of child’s play to turn the existing barren playground into a stimulating and challenging play area for the local kids.
There will be two play areas; one for under 8’s and another for older children plus a ball-court area.
Phil Holden, from Wicksteed, said, “We’re over the moon to be chosen for this project with leading retailer M&S and environmental charity Groundwork. A great play area can give a real boost to a community and bring people together.
Our play systems situated in the two play areas will give the kids in Vauxhall Road a mix of fun and physical challenge.”
Local young people have played a big part in this project by raising a substantial amount of extra funding for the two play areas and were asked to make a ‘wish list’ of what Wicksteed play equipment they wanted in their new play area.
Barbara Nettleton, from One Voice Residents Association, said, “We are all excited about getting a new play area at last! The area has been an eyesore for years and deemed one of ‘the worst’ on the ROSPA report. It will now be transformed into an exciting place for children to play and give parents somewhere to meet and relax.”
“When we were asked to suggest suitable projects this was a natural,” agreed Bob Allen, Groundwork Lancashire West & Wigan’s Executive Director. “It’s a real community asset and was designed with the help of local people, especially the Scholes Youth Action Group, who helped raise some of the funding too!”
Wicksteed is known for more than just making play equipment. Working closely with schools, play experts and through research, the company is committed to studying how kids play. This allows its designers to constantly invent new pieces of play equipment which offer an element of risk, exhilaration and challenge.
Wicksteed endeavours to provide design concepts and construction techniques that respect the local character and environment by sustainable practice in the selection and supply of materials and installation techniques. This includes the flexibility for re-use and recycling as well as best practice in energy efficiency and use of resources.
Learn more about Wicksteed visit: www.wicksteed.co.uk