Delight as village field transformed into children's playground

Thursday, 10 July 2025 16:26

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Council officers Kathryn Taylor and Helen Brister on the left and right, with Emma Taylor of Friends of the Roods Playing Field in the middle.

A tired and under-used field has been transformed into a new children's playground thanks to a huge community effort and a £60k cash injection.

The locals’ dream of a brand-new playground in Warton village near Carnforth, complete with swings, slide, and a climbing frame, football goal posts, and a community orchard has become a reality.

Residents seized the opportunity to create a good and safe space for their children to play and formed The Friends of The Roods Playing Field, working alongside Lancaster City Council.

A field has been tidied up, play equipment installed, a wildflower area and a community orchard created with a new accessible path installed.

“We are thrilled to have worked with the Friends group to develop the plans, help secure the funding, and see this under-used field transformed into a wonderful place for children and families to enjoy," said Councillor Paul Hart, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Environmental Services.

“Having spaces such as this are important to the council as part of a healthy lifestyle and we know that parks and playgrounds are highly valued by residents.

“We would like to say thank you to our fellow cabinet member councillor, Sue Tyldsley and the Friends of The Roods for all their hard work and it demonstrates the excellent results that can be achieved when local communities and the city council work side-by-side.”

The Friends of The Roods spent two years fundraising, which included community events, such as coffee mornings, and successfully scooping funding, with £40,000 secured from the Lancashire Environmental Fund, £19,000 from the Walney Extension Community Fund and £3,000 from The Elizabeth and Richard Wilson Charitable Trust.

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