Boat-theme play area gets ready for launch

YOUNG Oldhamers are invited to hop on board and enjoy the ride at Daisy Nook Country Park’s “Tots Lock”.

The new play area is based on a canal boat and was inspired by its location next to the now-defunct Hollinwood section of the Ashton Canal.

The play area will be officially opened by the future Mayor and Mayoress Councillor David Jones and Jean Jones at 1pm on Saturday.

Park-users have also been asked to give their views on a natural playscape in the meadow above the River Medlock which will complement Tots Lock.

Richard Vink, Oldham Council’s principal greenspace development officer, said: “The parks and countryside service is proud to build a special site that will give children a great place to have fun.

“Along with the natural playscape soon to be developed, Tots Lock will provide our young people with exciting and imaginative play and encourage them to explore the wonderful countryside in Daisy Nook.”

Tots Lock has been built under the council’s Adventures in Play programme, which comes from Oldham Play Partnership’s successful 2007 bid for money from the Big Lottery Fund.

The bid to the BLF was based on feedback from more than 3,000 children and adults over development of the authority’s Play and Free Time Strategy.

The bid said the authority: “Will provide free, open access, quality natural playscapes around Oldham for all children and young people in the borough.

“Its aim is to encourage children and young people to gain independence, have fun, explore, experiment and learn in the countryside.”

Individual projects within the bid also include schemes at Tandle Hill Country Park, Leesbrook Nature Park and Crompton Moor.