A new forest school for children could be created as part of a masterplan to improve a park.

The project, which aims to transform Victoria Park in Haslingden, is the vision of Rossendale Council, the Haslingden Community Partnership group and Company Proffitts.

The team have created a draft masterplan for the site which includes improvements to the pathways, entrances, boundary walls, fountain, play area, bowling green and the multi-use games area too.

There is also an option to create a new forest school space for children and update or replace the current wheeled sports area. Woodland management works, a woodland walk route and more artwork and trails have also been proposed.

Tricia Brindle, Community and Partnerships Officer from Rossendale Council said ‘’This project is part of the council’s ‘Love Parks’ project which is designed to increase the use of our parks to help improve the mental and physical wellbeing of local people of all ages. We want all our parks to be wonderful assets that enhance the sense of belonging and community for people across their area, and it’s an exciting time for people who love nature, play and our outdoor green spaces.’’

Before the masterplan is finalised, the team are giving local people a chance to feedback on the ideas presented. They’re also eager to know if residents and visitors think that anything else should be included in the final plans.

Cllr Granville Morris from the Haslingden Community Partnership told us ‘’The project is in the very early stages, but the masterplan has some great ideas for improving Victoria Park. We want the space to work well for as many people as possible, and we think the plan contains great, practical, changes that will attract people to the park, while maintaining and nurturing the beautiful, natural, elements that we’re used to seeing throughout the site. We’re lucky to have Victoria Park in Haslingden, and I would encourage as many people as possible to look at the plan and let us know what they think.’’

Once the public have shared their feedback about the proposals, the plan will be finalised and fundraising work will begin.

More information and a copy of the plan and survey can be found here: https://www.proffittscic.com/community-