A popular Formby park has benefited from extensive improvement works designed to revitalise its play area. 

The Alt Road Park play area now has new colourful and safer surfacing and is ringed by new railings, providing children with a fully enclosed and dedicated space to play in. 

A set of brand-new play equipment, including a rope climb and seesaw, has been installed. Existing equipment has either been completely refurbished or removed to make space for new offerings.

Newer, cleaner, safer

Where there was previously a path going through the play area, there are new macadam paths along the outside of the railings for pedestrians travelling between the Pinewood Park housing area and Alt Road. 

A new and wider gate has been added to the park, allowing Green Sefton staff better access to carry out maintenance work. 

And a further addition is the collection of new benches available to visitors, plus a strategically placed litter bin and new signage. 

With the play area now fully surrounded with railings, the pedestrian gate that previously provided general entrance to the park has been removed. This will allow dog owners to enter and access the fenced-off dog exercise area while children and parents can access the play area.

Local gem

Located just off the Formby Bypass, Alt Road Park has been a much-loved part of the community for decades. 

Sefton Council directed Section 106 funding, secured from the Pinewood Park housing development, towards updating the play area and its surroundings. Funds from Formby East Ward boosted the budget and provided money dedicated to work that addressed residents’ suggestions for the park. 

Green Sefton, the service that manages the Borough’s parks and green spaces, worked closely with the Sefton Communities team and Formby ward councillors to bring the changes to life. 

The changes have been made with the enjoyment, safety and accessibility needs of children in mind. They were presented to local residents in a consultation to ensure that they provide the best possible value to the community. 

Cllr Joanne Williams, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Our play areas provide so much enjoyment for children and parents, giving them the opportunity to play and interact in a green, natural setting. It has a hugely positive impact on personal wellbeing and community spirit. 

“It is fantastic to see that these Section 106 funds, which the Council has secured from the developers of Pinewood Park, used for improvements that will benefit the local community in this way. 

“We hope the people of Formby will enjoy the improvements and make sure that Alt Road Park remains popular choice among visitors of all ages for years to come.”