New family play area opens at Royton Park

The new look play area has been designed to include play features into the landscape

Oldham Council has opened a new £150,000 play area at Royton Park.

New play equipment and improvements to paths and access points have breathed new life into the green space, creating an area that will attract a wide range of users.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Culture, said: “Oldham Council is always being asked to provide facilities and activities for the borough’s youngsters to enjoy and take part in so we are pleased to unveil the improvements to Royton Park.

“The new play area will provide a place where young children and families can enjoy hours of fun and games for years to come.

“We are still putting the finishes touches to things, such as the grassed area and the wildflower beds so please stay away from those for now – but it’s good to see that the facilities will be ready in time for the Easter holidays.

“The improved landscaping has also created good quality open space which residents of all ages can enjoy.

“Due to the current Coronavirus restrictions we’d ask all park users to regularly sanitise their hands when using the equipment and make sure you continue to socially distance – hopefully that way things can return to some kind of normality soon.”

Funding for the park has come via Section 106 agreements – money paid to the council by developers due to the impact of the building on the local area - when a number of housing developments were built in the area.

Royton North and South councillors also provided £10,000 of funding.

The new look play area has been designed to include play features into the landscape, encouraging youngsters to enjoy spending time exploring while providing fun ‘stop-offs’ near to the pathway to play on as you pass through.

The layout of the new features and type of equipment encourages residents to get active, helping to keep young people fit while having fun.

There have also been 70 new trees planted as part of the refurbishment.

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