Improvements planned at Whitaker Park 

A ‘Masterplan for Improvements’ at Whitaker Park is being drafted – and stakeholders are looking for nearby residents to have their say on the changes they’d like to see. 

Rossendale Borough Council are working alongside Community Interest Company Proffitts – Investing in Communities and several local community groups including The Friends of Whitaker Park, The Whitaker Park Museum, Civic Pride Rossendale, The Rossendale Leisure Trust, and Incredible Edible Rossendale on a project to improve Whitaker Park in Rawtenstall. 

The project is in its very early stages, and the team are eager to share with park users and local residents. 

The plan outlines some of the changes that could be made within the park but will not be finalised until local people have had the opportunity to share their own ideas and suggestions for improving the park. 

Councillor Liz McInnes who is also a member of Whitaker Park Friends an offshoot of Civic Pride Rossendale, said: ‘’We’re really looking forward to working with residents on the project to enhance and upgrade Whitaker Park. 

“Our parks help improve the mental and physical wellbeing of local people of all ages, and we would love to see more people visit and enjoy spending time in this wonderful green space. We have some idea of the changes people would like to see, but we’d really love to get more feedback and suggestions from visitors too.’’ 

                         

Feedback about the plans will help determine which improvements should be tackled first and help to prioritise the remaining suggestions. 

Sue Shuttleworth from Whitaker Park Friends said:‘’We’re really excited to support any improvements at Whitaker Park. 

“The park has been part of Rawtenstall life for over a Century and it provides us all with somewhere to meet, play, exercise, socialise and enjoy being outdoors. 

“We know that not all of the suggested improvements can take place at once, and that the work is dependent on successful fundraising, but it’s wonderful to see the plans come together. We’re thrilled that the park will be able to support the wellbeing of our community for many more years to come.’’ 

Copies of the masterplan are available to view within the park, along with a QR code that will direct people to an online survey where people can share their feedback online. 

Paper copies of the plan and survey can also be collected from The Whitaker Cafe and Rawtenstall Library. All information about the project and a survey can be found on the website: https://www.proffittscic.com/community-projects/whitaker-park-rawtenstall/ 

If you would like more general information about the project, please contact Martin Proffitt at Proffitts (CIC) on 07989928038 or communities@proffittscic.com