Local families were all smiles at the highly-anticipated launch of the new-look Norley Hall Adventure Playground.
The recreation area was officially reopened on Friday (29 August) after being closed since 2020.
It has been totally transformed with brand new accessible play equipment – including swings, slides, zip lines and an eye-catching climbing tower. It also has a multi-use games area as well as a fire pit, water play and slides for all ages.
The large wooden centrepiece structure, meanwhile, has been crafted by designer Andy Frost, whose previous work includes items on display at New York’s Guggenheim Museum.
Local families were asked how they wanted the park to be, and work began in January this year.
The finished playground was formally reopened by the Mayor of Wigan Borough, Councillor Jenny Bullen, along with dozens of local children eager to try out the new attractions.
The site has been redeveloped thanks to a £450k investment from Wigan Council, in conjunction with consultants from Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, and the work was led by Burnley-based contractors Landscape Engineering Ltd.
The site will be managed and overseen by the Be Well play team, who will be staging regular free activities and events. It is secured by brand new fencing, and the investment also includes a robust maintenance programme.
Councillor Paul Prescott, cabinet portfolio holder for planning, environmental services and transport, and ward member for Pemberton, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to see Norley Hall Adventure Playground back open and looking so incredible.
“This place has been at the heart of our community for more than 40 years and there are generations of local people, many of whom are now parents and even grandparents themselves, who have such fond memories of growing up here.
“It’s so important for children to have the opportunity to have fun, make friends, express themselves and be adventurous – all the while being watched over and cared for.
“It’s taken a lot of hard work to get here, and I’d like to say a massive thank you to everybody involved; especially all the local people who shared their feedback on what they wanted to see and helped make this happen.
“Seeing such big smiles on so many young faces has made it all worth it.”
Chris Ready, cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “We know just how much Norley Hall Adventure Playground means to local people, and we hope they are as delighted as we are with the finished results.
“Together we have created something truly special that will leave a lasting legacy, bringing joy and creating special memories for Norley Hall residents both now and well into the future.”
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