Nantwich children of all ages are invited to bring their Teddy Bear and parents to a special picnic at Brookfield Park in the first week of July.
The event is being organised by Sustainable Nantwich and Nantwich Town Council to give families a chance to see plans for a new “Natural Play Area” in the park.
It marks the next phase in the transformation of Brookfield Park, creating a new play area featuring natural wooden equipment, which will link between the existing formal play space and the surrounding wildflower meadows.
The project aims to meet a community demand for natural play opportunities, offering children a chance to explore their environment while supporting the town’s broader commitment to sustainability and biodiversity.
Now Sustainable Nantwich is asking for input from children and parents to help shape the final details.
The Teddy Bear consultation days will be on Tuesday July 1 and Thursday July 3 from 2pm to 5pm.
Families can bring their favourite stuffed friends, and a blanket to sit on, and soft drinks and food if they want a picnic.
It’s a chance to enjoy Brookfield Park and see the natural wooden play equipment being proposed by community campaigners.
Play expert Millie Vozza from Kompan Play will be on hand with images and examples of the equipment and to answer questions.
Millie said: “It’s brilliant that the community is coming together to improve their park for people and wildlife.
“Kids love wildlife and nature, so we are designing the play area to make the connections and get them playing and thinking. Come along and help us shape the future.”
Sustainable Nantwich green spaces campaigner Jeremy Herbert said it was the next stage in the growing of a vibrant nature space.
He added: “Over the last few years, we have planted dozens of new trees, new natural flower filled hedgerows, and created no mow wildflower areas for nature to thrive. Dogs love them too!
“Now we want to plant more play opportunities for the next generation, helping bridge the gap between the formal and the natural.”
Nantwich Partnership Chair Jeff Stubbs said the community was coming together to deliver something really exciting.
He added: “The project aims to meet family demands for more natural play opportunities, giving young people the chance to explore their environment and make the links to a healthier and more wildlife-rich Nantwich.
“It’s great to see that things are now happening thanks to Sustainable Nantwich.”
Nantwich Town Council and Cheshire East Councillor Geoff Smith said it was great to see the park’s growing importance for the community and for nature.
“It’s all happening at Brookfield. The natural play area is the first in a series of new ideas, more flower planting, an area for static natural sports equipment for adults.
“Plus we are hosting a family film night on Brookfield Park on Saturday July 5 4.30pm-9pm.
“The event is free so we are expecting a good crowd. Free tickets on the Town Council website.”
Once the consultation is complete the challenge is to raise £40,000 to realise the dream.
Nantwich Town Council and the Nantwich Partnership have committed to providing seed-corn funding.
A major fundraising campaign will be launched in the summer. The consultation will close August 1st.
To get involved and contribute to the consultation page online, go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/VXZP85Q
Yes dogs are a menace. Time there were dog licenses to pay for emptying the poo bins and rules about where they can be off lead and some enforcement of rules. But I know that is hoping for far too much from our inept council run by inept councillors and even more inept staff
I’m sure how successful this will be combining with the masses of untethered hounds that roam free on the park thanks to unscrupulous owners.