The first purpose-built Freerunning park in the North West has been opened in Nantwich.
The facility on Barony Park was planned by The Nantwich Freerunners group with help from Cheshire East Council.
It was officially opened by one of the sport’s biggest names, Daniel Ilabaca.
Freerunning, also known as “Parkour”, is the practice of moving through an environment in a way that is fluid and creative.
It draws influences from gymnastics, martial arts and dance and encourages participants to develop their own unique style.
The park was funded by grants from the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces and Nantwich Town Council.
The Nantwich Freerunners also carried out fundraising activities towards the building of the park, supported by the local community.
Cheshire East Council offered the land, advised on funding bids and coordinated the project through the Local Area Partnership.
Cllr Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “It’s really exciting for Cheshire East and I am sure it will prove popular with local residents as well as attracting people from further afield.”
Joel Howells, chairman of The Nantwich Freerunners, said: “The opening of the facility represents the culmination of two and half years hard work, and we hope to establish it as the focal point of our mission to expand and develop the understanding of the benefits of the practice of freerunning in the local community.”
Daniel Ilabaca added: “It’s great to know there has been a place provided for young people to develop their physicality in an exciting way.
“Movement is an essential part of learning, and this Parkour park will open a lot of doors for young people, building confidence and motivation as they move forward in life.”
Cheshire Police said the activities of the club have had a substantial reduction in incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area.
For more information about ‘freerunning’ locally please go to the Nantwich Freerunners website.
(pics by Claire Faulkner)
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