Eastburn Playing Field Development
April 2010 saw the completion of the eagerly anticipated redevelopment of a neglect area of land in Eastburn into a fully function play space. More than 200 people turned out as the local rugby team players from the Keighley Cougars and their mascot Freddie cut the ribbon at the official opening.
Before the completion of the £150,000 Activity Park there was no other recreational facility in the area and the existing play equipment was very old, in a poor state of repair with tarmac surfacing that has broken up and was dangerous.
With the help and support of the local community and following extensive consultation with the young people and local families a final design was created and chosen which included play equipment for various ages, outdoor fitness equipment, BMX/trial bike activity area, ball court, playing field and a small nature area with boardwalk, thus creating a facility for all members of the local and surrounding communities.
Steeton and Eastburn Parish Council believe that the completed project will encourage the engagement of the local community in play activities for lengthy periods and repeat visits outside in a safe environment. The project provides due consideration to access to the site and play experiences for young people with both mobility and visual as well as providing new and exciting opportunities to encourage creative play and develop confidence and imagination. The landscaping and planting offer further opportunities for imaginative play with a different play value to the use of equipment alone. Interesting seating areas will encourage parents to stay and be involved in their children's play activities.
Following the official opening the Parish Council clerk, Cheryl Brown, who has worked tirelessly over the last three years to make the project come to fruition, said “The play and fitness equipment was given the thumbs up by the children and adults alike and declared ‘amazing’.”