Community fund helps pay for new wooden playground boat at Highfield Road Park in Blackpool

Karen Pennington Friends of Highfield Park Treasurer, Paul Towers from Clement Dickens – who built the boat, Diane Farley from Blackpool Council Parks Development Team, Mike Bunndell also from Clement Dickens, John Thornley and Jamie Richardson from Blackpool Council Parks Team

The old wooden boat at Highfield Road Park in South Shore gradually fell to pieces after the attack and was removed after safety concerns were raised with the park’s community group.

The Friends of Highfield Road Park group has since been in contact with Blackpool Council and, with the help of a local councillor, a new boat was installed earlier today.

Karen Pennington, who is secretary of the Friends group and well-known for her work at the park, said she was thankful that funding was found. Her husband, Gary Pennington, is the chairman of the friends group.

The old boat was removed after becoming unsafe.

Karen said: “Around five years ago, the wooden boat that sits on the park was partially damaged after being set on fire and, since then, it has become weather-worn and deteriorated badly recently, thanks to help from a few ‘handy’ visitors.

“The damaged boat was brought to The Friends’ attention and we mentioned it to the council’s parks department; that the area was unusable for safety reasons.

"Diane Farley, from the parks development department, made enquiries to see if the boat could be replaced and thankfully acquired a community grant, which was authorised by the local ward Councillor Peter Hunter."

She added: "Paul Towers from Clement Dickens built the amazing new boat from scratch, with thicker materials, which will hopefully last longer and decking weather paint was applied by Gary and myself.

"The sand area which is primarily used by tiny tots has also had new fencing installed and the gate entrance moved to a more suitable position. This area will remain closed for a few days while remedial work is undertaken in the grounds, to remove the old tree stumps and ivy in the area surrounding the boat.

"The Friends are really pleased to see the boat installed and they know that many children will be thrilled with the new boat."

Coun Hunter, who represents the Highfield ward, said: “Particularly in these testing times it’s very important that we take care of our open air leisure facilities.

“It’s a very smart park and provides an oasis for residents in South Shore. It’s vital we do everyhting we can to support and fund our parks.”