A new play area is coming to Whitaker Park in Lancashire

09/07/2025

The £184,000 investment is being delivered by Rossendale Borough Council in partnership with sub-group Civic Pride Rossendale – The Friends of Whitaker Park community group in Rawenstall (pronounced Rottenstall).

Located on the plateau between the existing play area and the football pitch, the new facility is being installed by play equipment specialists Kompan.

This scheme marks the first for Whitaker Park Masterplan, marking the first move towards improving the park’s play provision.

The new equipment includes a large 8-metre play structure with two slides, climbing blocks, an embankment slide, a double cableway, and a pendulum swing.

In addition to play features, the area will also benefit from new seating, picnic facilities, and a fully accessible pathway to ensure inclusivity for all visitors.

Cllr Liz McInnes, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Housing, Health and Wellbeing, and volunteer for The Friends of Whitaker Park said: "We are thrilled to see the Whitaker Park Masterplan coming to life. “This fantastic new facility will offer older children a place to play, challenge themselves and enjoy the outdoors – just in time for the summer holidays."

The project was made possible through funding from the FCC Communities Foundation, with the remaining funds through the UK Shares Prosperity Fund.

Lynn Smith, The Chair of Civic Pride Rossendale, has played an active role in the project’s development to ensure it reflects the needs of the community.

Construction is expected to take five to six weeks, with the play area due to open in time for the school summer break.

An official opening event will be held to celebrate the launch with families and partners.

Pictured is the space as it is now before the development