Mercer Park revamp consultation launched
Following the news that Mercer Park, in Clayton-le-moors, would be undergoing a £125,000 revamp thanks to a Council grant, a consultation has now launched to gain ideas on a new design for the soon to be improved play area.
Mercer Park has long been a favourite amongst local families and residents, and the Council are keen to improve the play area to reflect the needs of the community.
The Let’s Move Hyndburn Youth Panel have taken the lead and were encouraging the public to get involved during a recent event at the park. Throughout the day people came along and filled out the survey, whilst also chatting to Councillor Steven Smithson, portfolio holder for parks and green spaces, about what they want to see at Mercer Park in the future.
To have your say follow the link to the survey here
[Pictured: Brooke and Seth, aged 10, from Let’s Move Hyndburn Youth Panel, with Cllr Steven Smithson at Mercer Park]
Cllr Smithson said:
“It was great to meet so many young people who are passionate about green spaces in our borough and hearing their ideas first hand was really valuable. I want to thank the Youth Panel, all the community groups involved – particularly Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum – and the Council parks team for their continued commitment to improving our playgrounds and parks.”
Feedback from local families during the event included the request for more slides, keep space for cartwheels and ideas about splash pads! It was also highlighted that the flat and open paths at Mercer Park are helpful for wheelchair users, however equipment itself could be improved with better accessibility in mind.
“Although it is not always possible to deliver on ideas due to budgets available, I am pleased to say that Sara Britcliffe, our MP, was also at this consultation event. She has agreed to make sure feedback from our residents goes directly to government, especially about the point raised for the need for truly accessible equipment at playgrounds across our borough. I encourage everyone to get involved in the consultation, the more people that have their say the better.”
[Cllr Smithson with Annabele and Alayna at Mercer Park, taking part in the consultation]
All residents of Hyndburn are invited to take part by filling out the online survey. In addition to the online survey the parks team at Hyndburn Council will work closely with local schools and relevant community groups to understand their needs.
Cllr Smithson continued:
“It’s great that our play area at one of the Borough’s award-winning parks is so popular with local youngsters but some of the equipment is now past its best and nearing 15 years old. We look forward to hearing from the community about what they would like to see in a new and improved design.
“I am sure that the new play area will continue to be well used by the next generation in Clayton and look forward to reading all the feedback and thoughts.”
This consultation for Mercer Park follows the overwhelmingly enthusiastic reception of the public consultation for the new design of Milton Close Play Area last month – part of the wider initiative to improve green spaces and parks for all areas in Hyndburn.
The survey is open until the 13th June 2023.
To have your say follow the link to the survey here
If the survey is required in an alternative format please email: marketing@hyndburnbc.gov.uk