Looking out across
the new play facilities at Bay Cottage on the North West coast of England, you
get a real understanding of what the area means to Heysham residents and why
such an extreme effort was made to restore the much loved playground.
It was local
schoolgirl and triathlon specialist, Niamh Barnsley-Ryan, who has been the
inspiration behind the revamped play area on the coast of Heysham in
Lancashire.
Working tirelessly
to help raise the necessary funds, she and the Friends of Bay Cottage
desperately wanted to re-develop the beachside playspace that Lancaster City
Council said could no longer be maintained.
Back before the
funding campaign started, Sue Joy-Eatock, chair of the Friends of Bay Cottage
play area, commented: "This play area has been a valuable amenity for
children, parents and families for many years and offers outdoor play that is
so important for children's development.
"It opens up
the chance to access the beach and all the fun children love by being near the
sands. We want to develop a safe but fun and exciting play experience for
youngsters that will remain a happy memory for those visiting area as well as
local residents.
Thanks to Niamh’s
commitment and athletic endeavours, plus the consistent and persistent work of
the Group, £80,000 was raised and their vision finally became a reality, when,
in October 2017, the playground opened once more and eibe was thrilled to be a
part of it.
