Young visitors to Hollingworth Lake, one of the most popular visitor attractions in Greater Manchester, will soon be able to reach new heights.
A woodland adventure course is being constructed at the country park.
The fantastic new facility, which is due to open later in the year, will allow children aged around 5–13 to see nature up close, with a course that is nestled among the treetops, reaching 6 metres in height at certain points.
The nets will be suspended between wooden treehouses, with adventurous youngsters challenged to follow different obstacles and pathways.
The course will be constructed halfway round the lake, on land close to the Pavilion Café. Visitors will be encouraged to walk or cycle to the course, so they can start their outdoor adventure early. It will also feature a climbing wall and a covered seating area.
The new woodland adventure course is being funded by the council, as part of its ongoing commitment to maintain and boost the borough’s ever growing leisure offer.
Your Trust Rochdale, the council’s leisure and culture partner, will be managing and operating the course when it opens and it will be available to schools, clubs, community groups and the general public. It is expected to open later this year.
The work will be undertaken with great care, with ecologists working closely with the site team to ensure that wildlife is protected throughout.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and cooperation at Rochdale Borough Council, said:
“This will be a fantastic and exciting addition to what is already a very well-loved area, which is cherished by our residents and the thousands of visitors who enjoy it each year. Hollingworth Lake is one of our most treasured attractions and that’s why we’re committed to investing in maintaining and improving its offer.
“This new course will also help keep kids fit and get them up close to nature and enjoying the outdoors and that’s something to celebrate.”