Revamped play area opens
Families in south Lancaster are celebrating the opening of a revamped play area at Winchester Field.
Kathryn McNicholls (Lancaster City Council), Julian Elsworth, Councillor Sarah Punshon and Amanda Chapman (Friends of Winchester Field and Nature Area), with Helen Brister (Lancaster City Council).
The playground and surrounding area have undergone an extensive makeover to improve access and provide children with more opportunities to play, explore and be active outdoors.
Improvements include a mix of refurbished and brand-new equipment designed to appeal to a wide age range, along with features to improve accessibility for younger children and those with additional needs.
The existing swings and climbing frame have been refreshed and retained, while new items have been added, including additional climbing features and a basket swing aimed at older children. New surfacing, along with improved drainage and paths leading to the play area, will ensure the space can be enjoyed all year round.
The play area renovation and drainage/path works were funded by planning conditions attached to the development of housing at Hala Carr Farm (£71,126), plus funds raised by the Friends of Winchester Field and Nature Area (FoWFaNA) from the Lancashire Environmental Fund (£38,000) and Walney Extension Community Fund (£9,360).
The Friends of Winchester Field and Nature Area (FoWFaNA) worked with Lancaster City Council on the project.
Councillor Sarah Punshon, chair of the Friends group and ward councillor, said: “I’m so grateful to all the volunteers who’ve helped make this happen, and to the city council’s Public Realm team for their amazing support. The project has taken a couple of years to come to fruition, with consultations to ensure we were putting in equipment that we knew the community wanted - and not getting rid of things which were much-loved.
“We’re enormously grateful to all our funders and supporters – including local business Lancaster Vets, who donated an additional bench for the field.”
Lancaster City Council’s Public Realm team delivered the installation of the equipment in addition to its existing programme of works, with specialist contractors appointed to carry out the surfacing, drainage and path improvements.
Councillor Paul Hart, Cabinet member with responsibility for public realm, added: “Play areas like Winchester Field are incredibly important for our communities, giving children safe, welcoming places to play close to home. It’s also a great example of how the council and communities can work together to improve their areas, and it’s great to see local children already making the most of it.”
The Friends Group are developing ideas for further improvements. If you would like to get more involved, please get in touch at fowfana@gmail.com.
Last updated: 07 May 2026