Woodland wonder officially open

Photo: Laura Wild

Councillor Stephanie Mills officially opened the play area

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The brand new Woodland Enviro Gym at Hollingworth Lake was officially opened today (Saturday 7 August 2010) by Littleborough Councillor, Stephanie Mills.

Children waited with baited breath outside the woodland park for the ribbon to be cut so they could go and play to their hearts’ content.

The play area is the work of the Friends of Hollingworth Lake who started the project about 18 months ago.

Ray Smith, Chairman of the Friends of Hollingworth Lake Group, said: “We wanted something for the younger and older children to enjoy, it is very good to see it all finished and done and we have had lots of good feedback.”

Councillor Mills said: “The play area is wonderful and it fits in well with the surrounding area. I really think it is fantastic and I would like to thank the Friends of Hollingworth Lake for all the hard work which has gone into this including raising funds and the construction.”

The Woodland Enviro Gym allows children up to 15-years-old to explore and overcome different obstacles and challenges and also encourages them to use the other amenities such as the picnic benches and woodland trails.

The friends group worked in conjunction with Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale and Rochdale Council to create the new addition to Hollingworth Lake.

Mhorag Saxon, Project Officer for Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale, said: “It has been great working with the Friends of Group. They’re a hard working and innovative group and have the best interests of the community at heart.”

The money for the project was secured from the Big Lottery Community Spaces fund.