Blacon Adventure Playground’s Green Arts Barn Project launched with help from Chester’s Lord Mayor

Jun 11 2009 by Mark Dowling, Chester Chronicle

CHESTER’S Lord Mayor helped launch a community’s green initiative.

Cllr John Ebo was at Blacon Adventure Playground for the beginning of the Green Arts Barn Project, as part of the Children’s Play Programme.

The scheme received £60,000 from the Big Lottery Fund and the barn was built by staff, young people and children.

Cllr Ebo said: “There were many great things going on at the adventure playground.

“There was traditional maypole dancing around a pole created by children and young people, wood carving, refreshment provided by campfire cooks, a graffiti art project and gardening activities.

“It was an enjoyable afternoon and activities included tours of the four-acre site and the Town Farm, which is home for goats, sheep, donkeys, rabbits and chickens.”

Woodland crafts will be taught in and around the Green Arts Barn, including withy weaving, basket-making, gates and bird, mammal and insect boxes.

New play equipment includes a swing, zip-wire, acoustic play sculptures, wooden stepping stones, an elevated bird watching hide and feeding stations, all to be built by playground staff and youths.