School pupil marks the way for Ings Lane play area

New sign in place design by Lakisha Hussain

A new park sign created by a local school pupil has been unveiled.

The new sign was designed by a pupil from Meanwood Primary School to mark the opening of a new play area created by the council at the Ings Lane play area.

The winning design was created by Lakisha Hussain, who was in year six at Meanwood Primary when her design was chosen at the end of last school year. Lakisha returned last week to see her winning design put in place. She said: “I love the fact that my design is up in the park and it will be there for years to come for lots of children and families who enjoy the park to see.”

Work in the park was finalised in March this year and pupils from Meanwood Primary were the first to test the new equipment. Rochdale Borough Council invested £68,000 to install eight new innovative features for use by toddlers and also to improve the existing equipment that is suitable for children aged eight and over.

Councillor Rachel Massey, assistant portfolio holder for children’s services, said: “It’s great to see money being reinvested in schemes like this for young people. There’s been great investment in the park and I’m delighted to see local primary school children being so involved in the work and Lakisha’s design will be there for years to come.”

Built next to the current play area location, the extension includes a sectioned off area for toddlers and a relaxed seating area. The equipment has been chosen specifically to encourage imaginative social play and help children to develop sensory and motor skills.

Alongside the cycle track where children can learn how to ride safely, a roundabout with cradle seats, a variety of swings and a mystical world multi-play unit have been installed.