Groundwork Merseyside: West Vale Park
In spring 2008, West Vale Park in Little Neston was much as it had been for the previous decade. It had a straight path running from one end to the other which was prone to flooding, making the park inaccessible in wet weather. There was a small play area with very dated equipment, some of which had been broken and not replaced.
This project aimed to transform a run down park into a vibrant community space. By engaging local residents in the design process and working alongside M&S employees and partner organizations, we would foster a sense of ownership in this underused space. During summer 2008, local schools were consulted, with all age groups surveyed to understand the current issues, along with aspirations for the future. Designs were finalised based on the consultation results and funding was secured, including money from M&S, which enabled natural play elements and other improvements to be incorporated into the design.
Work on site was scheduled to begin in spring 2009. M&S employees were involved in planning and delivering a hedgerow planting day at the end of January, with staff from Chester, Heswall and Birkenhead taking part, along with local MP, Andrew Miller. Their involvement continued with site visits and the planning and delivery of the park relaunch celebration day.
The celebration day was a huge success, it was advertised widely through local schools, shops, community centres and internet sites. The aim was to introduce people to the rejuvenated park and this was certainly met. Around 400 people came and enjoyed attractions including traditional games such as a coconut shy and hook a duck, seed planting, arts and crafts tables, birds of prey displays and music, as well as the new play area. M&S regional manager Gary Rolls officially opened the park with local councilor Scott Mealor. M&S employees were involved in looking after stalls during the day.
The park is now a well-used and appreciated local amenity. Local resident and M&S Heswall store employee Julie Coyle says that the project has transformed the area:
"Prior to the project the park was unsightly and unsafe for children as the play equipment was broken and rusty. Now that the project has been completed, local residents use the park as a short cut through to the shops which they would never have done previously. The park is very well used by local children, particularly after school. It is now a very nice environment for the local community and local residents are more than happy to let their children play there."
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