Happy Hippos in Longbarn as play area given new lease of life

Children in Longbarn, Warrington will soon be able to enjoy their revamped and remodelled play area when it reopens on Friday 23rd September at 4pm.

The play area, affectionately known as ‘’The Hippos’’ by local residents in Longbarn after the model hippos that call the site home, was constructed when the Longbarn estate was built over 40 years ago and was a well-used and loved facility enjoyed by many generations.  As the site has aged, much needed reconditioning was needed in order for it to be an accessible, safe and enjoyable facility for children now and for future generations.  The regeneration of the play area, which has been widely supported by residents, local schools and nurseries and local dignitaries, began in August.

Mary Doyle, Landscape and Community Officer of the Land Trust who own the land on which the play area sits, believes the facility will make a huge difference to the lives of people living in the area.  She says: “This project will provide a real boost to the people of Longbarn and we look forward to seeing it benefit the local community for many years to come.’’

Thanks to funding provided by environmental funding body WREN through their FCC Community Action Fund and local awards from Warrington Borough Council and Greencore Foods, the redeveloped play area is now a safe and secure space to play for children of all ages and abilities; outdated equipment has been replaced with brand new accessible for all equipment and a new picnic area will allow parents and guardians to sit and watch over or spend some time with the children as they enjoy the new toddler friendly secure play area.  Several local contractors have also been involved in giving the play area a new lease of life.

Richard Smith, WREN’s Grant Manager for Warrington, says: “It’s wonderful to see something we have funded finally open and ready to make such a difference to children and families across Longbarn. WREN is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that benefit local communities and this is a great example of what can be achieved.”

Enjoying the new playpark at Longbarn

Re-opening of The Hippos

Cutting the ribbon at The Hippos re-opening